By: Joshua Finley
The healthcare industry is currently grappling with challenges as the integration of generative GenAI tools brings disruption. GenAI, designed to assist with tasks like transcribing conversations between patients and healthcare providers, is increasingly under scrutiny. Researchers are raising concerns that rather than enhance accuracy, these tools produce fabricated information that was never actually spoken. Such discrepancies in AI-generated transcriptions are more than just a technical glitch—they could pose serious risks to patient health and undermine the trust and transparency that are cornerstones of quality healthcare.
This issue reflects a broader challenge: as promising as AI technology is, its capabilities may be overestimated, particularly in healthcare, where precision and reliability are essential.
Sarah M. Worthy, CEO of DoorSpace, said, “If we’re looking at critical errors in healthcare, we can’t look to AI to reduce all the problems we are seeing. When it comes to AI technology, it’s often causing more harm than good, especially in this case. Novel technology like Gen AI will never be reliable enough to replace human doctors and nurses because, by nature of Gen AI’s design, it literally generates and makes things up. Some oversight will always be necessary, and it’s frustrating to see these Gen AI companies hype their technology in healthcare where they’re clearly not safe.”
This raises a key point: while GenAI tools are designed to assist, their fundamental function as generative tools is to create outputs based on patterns, not objective facts.
There is no room for this inaccuracy in healthcare; even the slightest error can have life-altering consequences. As GenAI “hallucinates” information or creates false statements, patients and providers are vulnerable. The repercussions are particularly concerning in cases where inaccurate transcriptions lead to misunderstanding or mismanagement of a patient’s treatment plan.
These problems expose an important lesson for healthcare leaders: technology is not always the answer or a cure-all. In its quest for innovation, the healthcare sector must recognize the human element that underpins effective and compassionate care. Relying on GenAI technology to reduce workloads or streamline processes may seem cost-effective or efficient. Still, when this technology introduces new risks, it might cost much more financially and in terms of patient safety and provider credibility.
Instead of looking solely at technology as the solution, investing in human resources, training, and continuous education might be a more sustainable and reliable approach. Skilled healthcare professionals are irreplaceable, not just because of their medical expertise but also their capacity for critical thinking and empathy—qualities that no AI tool can replicate. The people within the healthcare system provide the reassurance and understanding that technology cannot, and these professionals should be empowered, not overshadowed by emerging tools that have yet to prove their safety and effectiveness.
Worthy notes the consequences of prioritizing technology over people, stating, “In extreme circumstances, patients’ health is getting put at risk because healthcare leaders are investing more in technology than their employees. Do we want the companies whose motto is to ‘move fast and break things’ in healthcare, where that kind of thinking creates real problems for patients and their health?”
This critique points to the Silicon Valley mentality that drives rapid technological development, often prioritizing innovation over caution. In healthcare, however, the stakes are too high for a “break things” approach; each “break” can represent a misdiagnosis, a delayed treatment, or a compromised patient experience.
A more balanced approach is essential. As healthcare continues to explore the potential benefits of GenAI, oversight and careful testing are critical. Providers should be cautious in adopting AI tools without rigorous evaluation, especially in tasks that directly impact patient care. AI can be a valuable complement to human work but cannot replace the judgment, intuition, and responsibility that healthcare professionals bring.
Ultimately, GenAI may have a role in supporting administrative tasks, data analysis, and even predictive diagnostics, but its limitations must be respected. The future of healthcare innovation should focus not on replacing humans but on empowering them with tools that enhance, rather than undermine, their roles.
The industry must prioritize patient safety, transparency, and trust above all else—values that cannot be programmed but are instilled by dedicated professionals. As AI technology continues to evolve, so should our awareness of its risks, ensuring that we harness its potential without compromising the health and well-being of those it aims to serve.
Published by: Josh Tatunay
