AI refers to technology that can process information, recognize patterns, and provide helpful suggestions or answers. Many people already use AI in everyday tools like search engines, voice assistants, and health apps.

AI has the potential to support people living with arthritis by helping them learn about the diagnosis that their healthcare provider has given them, track symptoms like pain and fatigue, support physical activity, and provide access to information when they need it. It’s one of many tools that can help you better understand your body and patterns of your health.

AI should not replace medical advice from a healthcare professional. Think of it as a support tool. It can help you prepare for conversations with your healthcare provider or better understand your health.

Like any tool, AI has limits. It may not always understand your full situation or provide complete information. It can provide inaccurate information or perhaps even misinformation. Using it alongside professional advice can help reduce these risks. There are also potential risks to the privacy and security of any of your personal medical information that you provide to it. Finally, don’t let it prevent or delay you from seeking medical care from a healthcare professional.

Generative AI creates new content when you ask it a question or ask it to do something for you (like write something, make an image, or even create a video or new music). But, remember that it gives different answers each time you ask the same question – it does not reliably provide the single best answer. Other types of AI create products that are the same each time you ask it to do something, such as asking it to find patterns in apps that track your steps or monitor your symptoms.

No. AI should support healthcare, not replace it. Healthcare providers bring clinical expertise, context, and human understanding that AI cannot replicate.