Although providers remain the most trusted resource for health-related decisions, many consumers express similar levels of trust in artificial intelligence tools, the latest EBRI/Greenwald Research Consumer Engagement in Health Care Survey found.

When asked how much they trust AI or digital health assistant tools compared with care from a provider, 45% of privately insured adults aged 21 to 64 said they trust AI tools as much as or more than their provider, while 55% said they trust their provider more:

  • Trust AI tools much more than provider, 3%.
  • Trust AI somewhat more, 10%,
  • Trust both equally, 32%.
  • Trust AI tools somewhat less, 27%.
  • Truest AI tools much less, 28%.

"Although providers remain the most trusted source overall, the findings suggest that AI tools are becoming part of how many consumers approach health decision making," the survey report said. "Survey results also indicate that consumers see potential value in smart health technologies."

Respondents expressed interest in more effective sharing of health data across the health system. Many said they wish their health data could be shared more effectively with their doctor and their health insurance company, suggesting that consumers may see benefits in technologies that better integrate health information. Taken together, the findings suggest that while traditional health care providers remain central to health decision making, consumers increasingly view AI-enabled technologies as a complementary tool in managing their health.

Consumers showed different levels of agreement with these statements about smart health technology:

  • I wish my data could be shared more effectively with my doctor, 64%.
  • Smart health technology has made it easier to access the care I need, 61%.
  • I trust that the data collected by my smart health technology is secure, 59%.
  • I question the accuracy of the data I get from my smart health technology, 59%.
  • I am comfortable with smart health technology using AI, 56%.
  • I rely on my smart health technology to help me make healthier lifestyle choices, 56%.
  • Using smart health technology or other digital tools convinced me to seek in-person care, 51%.
  • I trust the health plan recommendations AI provides, 50%.
  • I trust the health care decisions AI provides, 47%.
  • Smart health technology is not worth the cost, 43%.
  • I want to use AI tools to help me make health care decisions, but I don't know where to start, 42%.
  • I want to use AI tools to help me choose which health plan is right for me, but I don't know where to start, 42%.

"Majorities of respondents reported being comfortable with smart health technology that uses AI and said these tools can make it easier to access care and support healthier lifestyle choices," the report said. "In addition, many consumers reported that using smart health technology or other digital tools has encouraged them to seek in-person care."

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