Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing healthcare in ways that were once only imagined in science fiction movies. While the futuristic image of robotic doctors may capture our imagination, the reality of AI in healthcare is much more subtle and practical. Today, AI-driven tools are becoming everyday companions, guiding patients through symptoms, lab results, chronic disease management, and more.
Recent surveys show that approximately one in three Americans are using AI to manage various aspects of their health. From mental health support to chronic disease management, AI-enabled technologies are addressing long-standing healthcare challenges. While some of these tools have strong evidence backing their effectiveness, others are still in need of further validation. Here are eight examples of widely-used consumer AI in healthcare and where the current research stands on their effectiveness.
- Using AI for Mental Health Support
AI-based mental health apps have gained popularity for providing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)–informed conversations, mood tracking, and emotional support. While these apps don’t replace therapists, they do offer expanded access and reduced stigma. Studies have shown that AI-based CBT can reduce depressive symptoms in the short-term, with multimodal interfaces outperforming text-only versions. However, questions remain about the long-term benefits of these tools. - Triaging Acute Symptoms With AI
Symptom checkers like Ada and Symptomate aim to help patients determine whether they need emergency care, urgent care, or home care based on their reported symptoms. While patients find these tools user-friendly, accuracy remains a concern. Studies show that correct diagnoses are only provided in the top five suggestions about half the time, making these tools helpful for education but not reliable for high-stakes triage. - Improving Chronic Disease Self-Management, Especially Diabetes
AI-powered tools are helping patients manage chronic diseases like diabetes more effectively at home. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) combined with AI analytics provide personalized, real-time feedback on blood glucose trends, leading to better glycemic control, increased physical activity, and improved medication adherence. - Detecting Heart Rhythm Abnormalities With AI
Wearable devices like the Apple Watch use AI algorithms to detect irregular heart rhythms that may indicate conditions like atrial fibrillation. Studies have shown the feasibility and clinical significance of using AI-enabled wearables for population-wide screening. - Navigating Insurance, Appointments, and the Healthcare System
AI tools embedded in payer and health system platforms are helping patients navigate the healthcare system more easily. While adoption is rapid, evidence of clinical impact is still limited, with integration into the broader healthcare delivery system being a key factor in their success. - Personalizing Lifestyle and Nutrition Guidance
AI-assisted nutrition and lifestyle tools are personalizing guidance to help users sustain healthy behavior changes. Studies have shown improvements in dietary quality, weight reduction, and cardiovascular markers with the help of AI-driven engagement algorithms. - Translating Medical Information Into Plain Language
Generative AI is being used to improve health literacy by converting complex medical instructions into clear, actionable language tailored to patient needs. Studies have shown the potential for AI to interpret laboratory results and provide valuable insights for patients and clinicians. - Improving Fall Detection in Older Adults
AI-enabled fall detection algorithms in wearables have shown promising results in controlled studies, offering a safety net for aging adults living independently. While performance may vary in real-world environments, these tools provide critical support for early response to falls.The future of AI in healthcare lies in how effectively these everyday technologies integrate into the broader healthcare ecosystem. By supporting clinicians and empowering patients to manage more of their health independently, AI has the potential to improve access, understanding, and outcomes in healthcare.
