NHS QCovid algorithm incorrectly labels young patients as high risk, causing vaccine call-up
The article reports that scientists are questioning the reliability of the QCovid risk prediction algorithm used by the NHS to prioritise COVID-19 vaccinations. Due to missing data on weight or ethnicity, the algorithm automatically assigns a high BMI and high-risk ethnicity, leading to young, healthy patients being incorrectly labelled as high risk and called for early vaccination. GPs have identified hundreds of such cases, causing anxiety and potentially delaying vaccinations for more vulnerable individuals. NHS Digital acknowledged the issue and said clinicians can remove patients from the shielding list.
- Company involved
- NHS
- AI system involved
- QCovid
10 source articles · read the reporting →
Four commercial large language models perpetuate race-based medical misconceptions
A study published in npj Digital Medicine tested four commercial large language models (Bard, ChatGPT, GPT-4, and Claude) for their tendency to propagate discredited race-based medical beliefs. When asked about kidney function, lung capacity, and skin thickness, the models sometimes endorsed debunked racial differences, particularly affecting Black patients. The study concludes that these biases pose a potential hazard and urges caution before using such models in clinical decision-making.
- Company involved
- Not named in article (refers to commercial LLMs generically as Google's Bard, OpenAI's ChatGPT and GPT-4, and Anthropic's Claude)
- AI system involved
- Bard, ChatGPT, GPT-4, Claude
6 source articles · read the reporting →
EviCore denied heart catheterization for patient using algorithm
In fall 2021, Little John Cupp's doctor requested a left heart catheterization exam. EviCore, a company hired by UnitedHealthcare, denied the request twice using an algorithm called 'the dial' that adjusts thresholds for review. The algorithm flagged the request for review, and EviCore's doctors determined it was not medically necessary. Cupp did not receive the procedure and his symptoms continued.
- Company involved
- EviCore (a Cigna company)
- AI system involved
- the dial
6 source articles · read the reporting →
ChatGPT generates error-filled cancer treatment plans, study finds
A study by researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, generated cancer treatment plans with errors. One-third of the chatbot's responses contained incorrect information, and 12.5% were hallucinated. The study was published in JAMA Oncology and reported by Bloomberg.
- Company involved
- OpenAI
- AI system involved
- ChatGPT
10 source articles · read the reporting →
Study finds ChatGPT provides inaccurate drug information responses
A study presented at the ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting found that ChatGPT's responses to nearly three-quarters of drug-related questions were incomplete or inaccurate. The AI system also generated fake citations to support some responses. Researchers warned that healthcare professionals and patients should verify ChatGPT's medication information using trusted sources to avoid potential harm.
- Company involved
- OpenAI
- AI system involved
- ChatGPT
8 source articles · read the reporting →
Cigna StressWaves Test found unreliable and invalid in independent study
A study published in Scientific Reports evaluated the Cigna StressWaves Test (CSWT), an AI tool that claims to assess psychological stress from speech. The study found that the CSWT had poor test-retest reliability and poor validity compared to the Perceived Stress Scale. The authors warned that widespread availability of the tool could lead to misleading results and negative consequences for users making healthcare decisions. Cigna has not publicly responded to the findings.
- Company involved
- Cigna
- AI system involved
- Cigna StressWaves Test
4 source articles · read the reporting →
ChatGPT 3.5 misdiagnosed most pediatric cases in study
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that ChatGPT version 3.5 provided incorrect diagnoses for 83 out of 100 pediatric case challenges. The chatbot's errors included both completely wrong diagnoses and diagnoses that were too broad. The researchers noted that the chatbot failed to identify relationships such as that between autism and vitamin deficiencies, and suggested that more selective training is needed to improve accuracy.
- Company involved
- OpenAI
- AI system involved
- ChatGPT version 3.5
7 source articles · read the reporting →
Serco Leisure issued enforcement notices for unlawful biometric monitoring of employees
Serco Leisure and associated trusts used facial recognition and fingerprint scanning to monitor employee attendance at 38 leisure facilities. The ICO found they unlawfully processed biometric data of over 2,000 employees. Enforcement notices were issued ordering them to stop.
- Company involved
- Serco Leisure Operating Limited
8 source articles · read the reporting →
NHS plans AI to listen to appointments and generate notes
The UK's National Health Service announced plans to use AI to automatically generate notes from patient appointments. Health Secretary Victoria Atkins said the scheme would reduce admin time. Privacy campaigners raised concerns about data security and accuracy, citing an incident where AI misheard the chief medical officer's name. The Department of Health and Social Care stated that patient confidentiality remains a top priority.
- Company involved
- National Health Service (NHS)
3 source articles · read the reporting →
ICO investigates Microsoft's Recall feature for privacy risks
The UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has issued a statement on 22 May 2024 regarding Microsoft's Recall feature. The ICO is making enquiries with Microsoft to understand the safeguards in place to protect user privacy, expecting transparency and necessity in data processing. This follows concerns that the feature may not adequately consider data protection from the outset before being brought to market.
- Company involved
- Microsoft
- AI system involved
- Recall
10 source articles · read the reporting →
Two women hospitalized after stopping medication on ChatGPT's advice
Two women in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, stopped taking prescribed medications for diabetes and high cholesterol after following advice from OpenAI's ChatGPT. This led to severe health complications, including dangerously high blood sugar and signs of myocardial ischemia, requiring hospitalization. The treating doctor warned that AI cannot replace medical professionals and that self-medicating based on AI advice can be life-threatening.
- Company involved
- OpenAI
- AI system involved
- ChatGPT
1 source article · read the reporting →
Dutch probation service's OXREC algorithm flawed, leading to incorrect recidivism risk assessments
The Dutch Inspectorate of Justice and Security (Inspectie JenV) published a report finding that the probation service's (Reclassering) OXREC algorithm contains serious flaws, including swapped formulas and incorrect numbers, causing about a quarter of risk assessments to be wrong. The algorithm, used since 2018 for about 44,000 cases per year, also uses variables that can lead to discrimination, such as neighborhood score and income. The Inspectorate recommended immediate correction or temporary suspension. The probation service announced it would temporarily stop using OXREC.
- Company involved
- Reclassering Nederland
- AI system involved
- OXREC
4 source articles · read the reporting →
Tyrone Walker v. Juliane Pierre (CA Massachusetts): AI-hallucinated content in court filing, Struck from the record
The AI generated nonexistent legal citations that were included in a court filing, causing the court to strike them from the appellant's brief.
1 source article · read the reporting →
ChatGPT Health fails to direct 52% of medical emergencies to emergency care in study
A study published in Nature Medicine found that OpenAI's ChatGPT Health tool under-triaged 52% of true medical emergencies, directing users to non-urgent care instead of emergency departments. The AI also misclassified 35% of non-urgent cases. Researchers at Mount Sinai conducted 960 tests across 60 clinical scenarios, noting the tool's susceptibility to anchoring bias when symptoms were minimized. The study highlights potential safety concerns as millions use AI for health guidance.
- Company involved
- OpenAI
- AI system involved
- ChatGPT Health
4 source articles · read the reporting →
New Records Show Medicare WISeR AI Prior Authorization Model Causing Inappropriate Denials of Care - Medicare Rights Center
The system denied or delayed prior authorization for medical procedures, affecting Medicare beneficiaries in six states.
- Company involved
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
- AI system involved
- WISeR
1 source article · read the reporting →
Facebook's 'People You May Know' feature reveals psychiatrist's patients to each other
A psychiatrist discovered that Facebook's 'People You May Know' feature was recommending her patients as friends to each other and to her, despite no apparent connection. One patient saw friend suggestions for older and infirm people he did not know, who were later recognized as the psychiatrist's patients. Another patient saw a fellow patient from the office elevator, revealing their full name and profile. Facebook could not explain the specific cause but suggested phone contact syncing may have been responsible.
- Company involved
- Facebook
- AI system involved
- People You May Know
2 source articles · read the reporting →
Hospitals Use OpenAI’s Whisper Despite Medical Transcription Hallucinations
OpenAI’s Whisper transcription tool is used by over 30,000 medical workers and can insert fabricated text into patient records. Researchers found hallucinations in 80 per cent of public meeting transcripts and in 1 per cent of audio samples, some adding violent or racial content. Mankato Clinic and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles are among 40 health systems using Nabla’s Whisper-powered copilot, which erases original audio recordings. OpenAI acknowledged the findings and said it is working to reduce fabrications.
- Company involved
- Mankato Clinic; Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
- AI system involved
- Whisper
2 source articles · read the reporting →
Hyderabad doctors warn after ChatGPT advice causes patient harm
In Hyderabad, a 30-year-old kidney transplant patient discontinued antibiotics on ChatGPT's advice, losing her transplanted kidney and returning to dialysis. A 62-year-old diabetic man suffered weight loss and low sodium after following a ChatGPT diet plan. Doctors warn that AI tools lack clinical judgment and should not replace professional medical consultation.
- AI system involved
- ChatGPT
5 source articles · read the reporting →
Racial bias in lung test software led to underdiagnosis of Black men, study suggests
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that race-based adjustments in diagnostic software for lung function likely led to underdiagnosis of breathing problems in Black men. Researchers analyzed data from over 2,700 Black men and 5,700 white men at the University of Pennsylvania Health System and concluded that up to 40% more Black men might have been diagnosed if the algorithm were changed. The American Thoracic Society has recommended replacing race-focused adjustments, but changes may take time.
- Company involved
- University of Pennsylvania Health System
2 source articles · read the reporting →
University of Chicago Medical Center sued over sharing patient data with Google
The University of Chicago Medical Center is accused in a class-action lawsuit of sharing hundreds of thousands of patient medical records with Google without proper de-identification or patient consent. The data, from patients treated between 2009 and 2016, allegedly included dates and provider notes that could allow re-identification. The lawsuit claims Google sought the records to develop its own electronic health record system and predictive models. The hospital and Google deny wrongdoing, stating the research partnership was legal and compliant with HIPAA.
- Company involved
- University of Chicago Medical Center
1 source article · read the reporting →
Ninth Circuit Sanctions Attorneys Over AI-Hallucinated Legal Briefs
The Ninth Circuit sanctioned immigration attorneys from Sethi Law Group after they filed briefs containing AI-generated false cases and quotations. The court imposed monetary sanctions, a six-month suspension from Ninth Circuit practice, and referred the matter to the California State Bar. The court also required future filings to disclose AI use and certify that all citations were verified. The case is Lnu v. Blanche.
- Company involved
- Sethi Law Group
2 source articles · read the reporting →
U.S. hospitals' race-based eGFR calculation delayed Black kidney patients' transplants
For years, U.S. transplant hospitals used a race-based version of the eGFR equation to estimate Black patients' kidney function. The adjustment inflated Black patients' readings, delaying their referral to the kidney transplant waitlist and leaving some to die or deteriorate on dialysis. After years of advocacy, the United Network for Organ Sharing prohibited the race-based calculation in 2022 and required transplant programmes to revise affected patients' waiting times.
- Company involved
- U.S. transplant hospitals
- AI system involved
- eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate)
2 source articles · read the reporting →
Perplexity AI Misdiagnosis Leads to Man's Death After He Avoids Cancer Treatment
Benjamin Riley's father, a former neuroscientist, used Perplexity AI to self-diagnose his chronic lymphocytic leukemia and was incorrectly told he had Richter's Transformation, leading him to refuse his oncologist's recommended Ven-Obi treatment for a year. Despite his son's efforts to correct the misinformation by contacting the study authors, the father's condition worsened, and he eventually started treatment but died weeks later. The incident highlights the dangers of relying on AI for medical advice.
- Company involved
- Perplexity AI
- AI system involved
- Perplexity AI
1 source article · read the reporting →
AI image generation triggers psychosis in startup employee
Caitlin Ner, head of user experience at an unnamed AI image generation startup, spent up to nine hours a day generating AI images of herself. Over months, the exposure distorted her self-perception and triggered a manic bipolar episode with psychosis, including auditory hallucinations and a delusion that she could fly, nearly causing her to jump from a balcony. She left the startup, sought therapy, and recovered. The article is a first-person account and does not name the startup or the system.
2 source articles · read the reporting →
