Artificial intelligence-powered chatbots in search engines: a cross-sectional study on the quality and risks of drug information for patients (1 October 2024)

Summary

Search engines often serve as a primary resource for patients to obtain drug information. However, the search engine market is rapidly changing due to the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered chatbots. The consequences for medication safety when patients interact with chatbots remain largely unexplored. This study explored the quality and potential safety concerns of answers provided by an AI-powered chatbot integrated within a search engine.

The study found that AI-powered chatbots are capable of providing overall complete and accurate patient drug information. Yet, experts deemed a considerable number of answers incorrect or potentially harmful. Furthermore, complexity of chatbot answers may limit patient understanding. Hence, healthcare professionals should be cautious in recommending AI-powered search engines until more precise and reliable alternatives are available.