The AI Influence On Independent Medical Examinations: Finding the Right Balance
Artificial intelligence is transforming every industry, and the medico-legal industry is no exception. While these tools are marvels for creating efficiency and structure, they also present ethical considerations which compromise the very essence of what makes medico-legal reports valuable: the human touch.
Red Health’s mission has always centred on humanising the medico-legal experience. This intention becomes even more relevant as AI technologies are increasingly being used within the industry. The relationship between an examiner and a person seeking assessment is inherently human; a journey together filled with nuanced observations, emotional understanding, and professional expertise that Artificial Intelligence can never fully speak to.
When Technology Overshadows Expertise
An Independent Medical Report represents the culmination of years of training, clinical judgement, and, most importantly, an ability to understand and convey how an injury or condition affects a person’s life.
Recent experiences have highlighted concerning trends in AI-assisted report writing. Consider this real example we encountered:
The severity of her condition, underscored by her extensive treatment history of cortisone injections, physiotherapy, and pain management through analgesics, reflects a profound disruption in her professional and personal life.
While technically correct, you can tell it’s AI-generated from the lack of natural voice; overly formal with phrases that most practitioners wouldn’t use in professional communication. This kind of writing can raise red flags in legal proceedings and potentially compromise the report’s credibility.
Privacy and Confidentiality Concerns
Using AI in medical reporting raises significant privacy concerns. When medical experts input sensitive patient information into AI platforms, they must consider:
- Where is this data being stored?
- Who has access to it?
- Is it being used to train AI models?
- Does this comply with medical privacy regulations?
Emotional Intelligence Is Necessary In Reporting
An essential aspect of independent medical examinations is capturing the emotional and psychological impact of injuries or conditions. AI tools, while proficient at collating and structuring information, often cannot convey:
- The subtle nuances of patient interactions
- Non-verbal cues observed during examinations
- The contextual understanding that comes from years of clinical experience
- The genuine empathy and respect patients need and deserve.
The Future of Medico-Legal Reporting
AI is here and can be used to assist us structure information and even suggest phrasings, but it can never replicate years of clinical experience or the insight you gain from sitting across from someone and truly listening to their story.
AI isn’t going anywhere, so we do have an opportunity to use it appropriately, like a helpful assistant to organise your thoughts rather than letting it take the driver’s seat.
