Canadian doctors warn of health risks linked to AI-generated medical advice
A new survey commissioned by the Canadian Medical Association finds growing reliance on artificial intelligence for health information, with many respondents reporting misinformation and negative health outcomes.
The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) has raised concerns that more patients are turning to AI tools for medical advice and, in some cases, experiencing harmful consequences.
The association commissioned a survey of 5,001 Canadians, conducted by Abacus Data in early November 2025, to examine where people obtain health information and which sources they trust. Nearly all respondents said they search for health information online, most commonly about symptoms, specific conditions, or treatment options.
According to the survey, 64 percent of respondents reported encountering health information online that they later discovered was false or misleading. An additional 29 percent said this happens rarely. While only 27 percent said they trust AI to provide accurate medical information, about half reported using AI-powered search tools such as ChatGPT for health-related queries. Around 38 percent said they had used ChatGPT for treatment advice.
The survey found that respondents who followed AI-generated advice were five times more likely to report experiencing a negative health effect or adverse reaction. Dr Margot Burnell, president of the CMA, said AI platforms can present information in a way that appears definitive, without taking into account an individual’s full medical history. She noted that it can be difficult for users to verify who generated the information or whether it is based on reliable scientific evidence.
The survey also indicates that many Canadians believe responsibility for addressing health misinformation lies with social media companies and governments. More than three-quarters of respondents expressed concern about increasing misinformation from the United States, where public officials, including Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have made disputed claims about vaccines and other health issues.
Half of respondents said misinformation has made them more sceptical of advice from health-care providers, and 69 percent said it has led them to question other online health information. The CMA stated that while it supports public access to information, the spread of inaccurate or misleading medical content can undermine trust and pose risks to patient safety.
