Healthvana, a patient interface company, has developed a conversational AI chatbot to assist patients with sexually transmitted infections. The chatbot provides quick answers to patients’ questions through two available options: a standard AI persona and a drag queen persona. To everyone’s surprise, the drag queen persona proved more engaging for patients, with 80% of people choosing this option. Healthvana CEO Ramin Bastani noted that patients enjoyed the comments that came from the drag queen persona.

During a panel at the Milken Institute 2024 Global Conference, health care leaders discussed the increasing use of AI in science and healthcare. They emphasized the importance of developers and health systems considering the limitations of AI to prevent harm to patients. MD Anderson Cancer Center Chief Data Officer Caroline Chung highlighted the need for a shift in mindset from viewing AI as a replacement to exploring the possibilities that AI can offer.

In conclusion, it is crucial for developers and health systems to consider the limitations of AI while using it in healthcare. By doing so, we can prevent harm to patients and explore the full potential of what AI can offer us in healthcare.