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.

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Arthritis Research Canada is the largest clinical arthritis research institution in North America. Our mission is to transform the lives of people impacted by arthritis through patient-centred research and engagement. Arthritis Research Canada’s scientific director, Dr. Diane Lacaille, leads a team of over 100 researchers, trainees and staff whose life-changing research is creating a future where people with arthritis have the knowledge and tools to triumph over pain and disability. Arthritis Research Canada is now conducting arthritis research from coast to coast with centres in British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, and Nova Scotia and scientists affiliated with ten major Canadian universities: University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, University of Calgary, University of Alberta, Western University, Université Laval, McGill University, Université de Montréal, Université de Sherbrooke and Dalhousie University. Arthritis Research Canada is leading research aimed at preventing arthritis, facilitating early diagnosis, finding new and better treatments, and improving quality of life.

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Bernice Rahman
Marketing and Communications Officer
Arthritis Research Canada
brahman@arthritisresearch.ca