Turning to Technology in a Time of Need
Susan Sheridan had heard of ChatGPT but had yet to explore its capabilities. In a moment of urgency, she typed a question into the artificial intelligence chatbot: “Facial droop, facial pain, and dental work.” It was a desperate search for clarity. The right side of her face was sagging, her speech was slurred, and she experienced a throbbing pain that made resting her head on the pillow unbearable.
The day before, when her husband first noticed the troubling droop, they had driven three hours to an emergency room. There, a doctor examined her but ultimately dismissed her symptoms as benign, sending her home without a definitive diagnosis. Feeling uneasy, Susan decided to consult ChatGPT for a second opinion.
To her surprise, the chatbot offered a different perspective. One of the potential explanations for her alarming symptoms, it suggested, was Bell’s palsy—a condition that required prompt medical attention to prevent any lasting damage. This information prompted Susan to make another trip to the emergency room.
Upon her return, a doctor confirmed the chatbot’s suspicions. He prescribed a course of steroids and antivirals to address the Bell’s palsy. Thanks to this timely intervention, she experienced a significant recovery and was mostly cured.
“I don’t want to replace doctors,” Susan emphasized, reflecting on her experience. “I believe in the doctor-patient relationship and have faith in the healthcare system.” At 64, she is not only a patient but also the co-founder of a patient safety advocacy organization, underscoring her commitment to improving healthcare experiences for others.
