A new University of Oxford study has warned about the risks of AI chatbots providing medical advice, highlighting concerns about safety, reliability and patient trust. Researchers say the rapid growth of health-related AI tools has created an urgent need for stronger safeguards and oversight.

The findings raise important questions about how people use artificial intelligence for healthcare information.

🤖 Growing use of AI chatbots in healthcare

AI chatbots have become increasingly popular as tools for answering health questions. Many users turn to these systems for quick advice about symptoms, treatments and medical conditions.

However, researchers say this growing reliance creates new risks. People may treat chatbot responses as professional medical guidance.

Researchers warn about the risks of AI chatbots giving medical advice.

The study highlights the need for caution as AI tools become more widely used in healthcare.

🩺 Concerns about accuracy and safety

The Oxford research found that chatbots can provide inconsistent and potentially unsafe medical advice. While some responses may appear accurate, others can contain errors or misleading guidance.

These inconsistencies may confuse users who expect reliable health information. Consequently, researchers emphasise that inaccurate advice could affect patient decisions.

The study stresses that medical advice requires careful evaluation, clinical expertise and context.

⚠️ Risk of misplaced trust in AI tools

Researchers warn that users may place too much trust in chatbot responses. Because the tools provide confident and detailed answers, people may assume the advice is correct.

This confidence can create risks if users delay seeking professional medical care. Therefore, the study highlights the importance of understanding the limitations of AI systems.

Users may view chatbot responses as authoritative medical advice.

The findings emphasise the need for clearer communication about what AI can and cannot do.

📊 Need for stronger regulation and oversight

The study calls for greater oversight and regulation of AI tools used for health information. Researchers believe developers, regulators and healthcare providers must work together to address the risks.

Clear guidance could help ensure that chatbots provide safe and responsible information. At the same time, transparency about limitations remains essential.

💬 Role of healthcare professionals remains critical

Despite advances in artificial intelligence, the study stresses that healthcare professionals remain essential for diagnosis and treatment.

Doctors and clinicians provide personalised care based on medical training and patient history. Therefore, AI tools should support rather than replace professional medical advice.

Researchers emphasise that patients should continue to seek qualified medical care when needed.

🌍 Wider implications for digital health

The research reflects broader concerns about the rapid expansion of digital health technologies. As AI tools become more accessible, their influence on public health decisions continues to grow.

Consequently, ensuring safe use of AI in healthcare has become a global priority.

🔭 Future research and next steps

The Oxford team says further research is needed to understand how people interact with AI health tools. Improved testing and evaluation could help reduce risks and improve reliability.

The study highlights the importance of balancing innovation with patient safety as technology evolves.