Arthritis Research Canada Study Highlights Need for Safe, Reliable AI in Rheumatology Care
Vancouver (September 29, 2025) – Arthritis Research Canada researchers shed light on how many people with arthritis use artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots in everyday life, including to find health information.
Little was known about how people with rheumatic diseases use AI chatbots—until now. In a recent study, researchers conducted a survey to explore if and how individuals with rheumatic diseases are using AI chatbots like ChatGPT. Participants were able to complete the survey either online or in person. Of the 270 survey respondents, 44 per cent of people reported using AI chatbots, with 15 per cent using chatbots for health-related reasons. Most people used chatbots to find general health information rather than to seek personal or complex medical advice.
Research was done at the University of Alberta by Carrie Ye, an Arthritis Research Canada scientist, and Ellen Wang, a PhD student at UBC and research trainee at Arthritis Research Canada. The study was done in partnership with Arthritis Consumer Experts, the largest national patient-led organization that provides free, evidence-based information to those living with arthritis.
“People with rheumatic diseases are already turning to AI chatbots for answers, showing how useful these tools can be,” said Wang.
The use of chatbots didn’t depend on a person’s gender, income, education or language spoken. However, results did show that younger people, and those with more liberal political views, are more likely to use them.
These findings raised valid concerns about the accuracy and safety of the information provided by chatbots.
“Chatbots provide quick and easy answers, which make them convenient to use,” said Wang. “But we must ensure the advice is accurate and safe before relying on them as part of routine care.”
To read the full study, click here.
