Why ChatGPT Shows Better Empathy to Patients Than Doctors: Study

Imagine you are a patient rushing to a hospital due to severe chest pain. You reach out to emergency, and after some time, the doctor comes to see you. Instead of reassuring words, the doctor greets you with a frown on his face and a dismissive tone. Your anxiety level increases, and you start to feel worse.

Now, think of a different scenario. You contact an AI-powered chatbot called ChatGPT, which responds in moments. ChatGPT communicates with you in a friendly, cooperative manner, asks about your condition, and arranges for an ambulance to pick you up. You feel heard, understood, and cared for.

According to a recent study conducted by the University of California, San Francisco, ChatGPT shows better empathy to patients than doctors. The study analyzed the interactions between patients and doctors in different clinics and hospitals, and compared them with the interactions between patients and ChatGPT.

The results revealed that ChatGPT scored higher in empathy, emotional support, and patient satisfaction than doctors. The patients reported that ChatGPT listened to them more attentively and responded to their concerns with more understanding than doctors. Moreover, ChatGPT eliminated the communication barriers that patients might face due to language, culture, or anxiety issues.

The study has significant implications for the healthcare industry, as it suggests that AI-powered chatbots can play a crucial role in improving patient care and reducing medical errors. Companies such as Babylon Health, Your.MD, and Ada Health are already using chatbots to offer personalized healthcare advice and triage services to millions of users worldwide.