:quality(90)/p7i.vogel.de/wcms/f6/9b/f69bbe0aeb137a594e618ecb0428d58f/0126833081v2.jpeg)
AI Self-diagnosis surges in Germany,But Trust Remains Divided
Berlin - A quarter of the German population is now turning to artificial intelligence (AI) applications like ChatGPT to self-diagnose illnesses and seek medical information,marking a notable jump from just 9% last year,according to a new survey by Deloitte. The rapid increase signals growing digital health engagement among Germans, though acceptance of AI within the customary healthcare system remains cautiously split.
The Deloitte survey of 1,120 adults revealed that while symptom checkers offered by health insurance companies and medical institutions are still utilized, the ease of access and versatility of general AI applications are driving their popularity. This trend coincides with a broader shift in public perception, with 50% of Germans now willing to share personal health data for medical purposes – a 12 percentage point increase year-over-year - as skepticism surrounding data privacy diminishes.
Despite the rising adoption, nearly half of respondents (49%) view AI in healthcare as an opportunity, while 30% perceive it as a risk, and 21% remain undecided. A ample portion of the population (41% for diagnosis, 46% for therapy) expresses reservations about doctors utilizing AI in direct patient care, suggesting a preference for human oversight. However, a strong majority (over two-thirds) readily accepts AI for administrative tasks like billing and appointment scheduling.
The findings underscore a complex landscape where Germans are increasingly comfortable leveraging AI for personal health inquiries but maintain a degree of caution regarding its integration into core medical practices.
