Agreement:
I Agree
Body:
Dear Editor
Surely the main problem is AI does not have adequate access to the medical literature which is held behind closely guarded firewalls by the various scientific publishers. AI has to know enough to provide accurate information and analysis. Currently AI’s “knowledge” is based on public domain information, which is limited. University libraries pay huge sums to publishers to gain access to their scientific journals.
No competing Interests:
Yes
The following competing Interests:
Electronic Publication Date:
Wednesday, November 26, 2025 – 10:41
AI use:
Yes I have used AI
AI use details:
I asked AI (Chat GPT) what access does it have. It confirmed that it did not have access and that publishers were developing their own internal AI systems.
Highwire Comment Subject:
Workflow State:
Released
Full Title:
Re: AI in the doctor-patient encounter
Highwire Comment Response to:
Check this box if you would like your letter to appear anonymously::
Last Name:
Heckmatt
First name and middle initial:
John
Email:
Address:
London
Occupation:
Consultant Paediatrician (rtd)
Affiliation:
none
BMJ: Additional Article Info:
Rapid response
