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It seems like AI is being used for everything these days, including medical advice for children. A pediatrician explains why parents shouldn't rely on it entirely.
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CLEVELAND - It seems like people are using AI for everything these days, including seeking medical advice for their children, but is that actually a good idea?
“I think AI can be a valuable resource for families. I would caution people, though, to not have it be your definitive end-all be-all answer,” said Kimberly Giuliano, MD, pediatrician at Cleveland Clinic Children’s.
Dr. Giuliano said while AI can be great at pulling from multiple sources, it’s important to check what those sources are.
For example, you may find that one of the websites cited is a forum where anyone can post with no credentials.
Not to mention, AI programs only provide answers based on the information you give it.
If the details about your child’s health are limited, it could tell you the wrong diagnosis and cause unnecessary panic.
There are also concerns over privacy.
“Some AI platforms do have privacy filters on them and some less so. And so, you need to be careful not only about what program you're using, but even ones that have privacy features. Identifying information, it's out there, and you never know where it's going to go,” she said.
Dr. Giuliano recommends only using AI for general medical advice, such as treating a cold.
It’s best to consult your child’s physician for more sensitive or immediate health issues.
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