Recent study by Lancet warns that AI in Colonoscopies may lower doctors’ skill in detecting precancerous growths
A new study published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology suggests that using artificial intelligence (AI) during colonoscopies could reduce doctors’ ability to detect potential health issues without technology’s assistance.
The research, carried out across four hospitals in Poland, involved 1,443 patients between September 2021 and March 2022. It found that doctors using AI tools identified fewer precancerous growths, known as adenomas, when performing colonoscopies without AI support. The detection rate fell from 28.4% before AI use to 22.4% after, a significant 6% drop. This indicates that doctors may become less adept at spotting issues independently after relying on AI.
Adenomas are growths in the colon that, if undetected, could develop into colorectal cancer. Early identification is crucial for preventing this disease, making the study’s findings important for patient care. The researchers caution that over-reliance on AI might lead to “deskilling,” where doctors lose the ability to perform effectively without automated tools.
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As hospitals worldwide increasingly adopt AI—from diagnostic systems in the United States to early-warning tools in the UK’s National Health Service—the study underscores the need for balance. While AI can boost accuracy and efficiency, it may also unintentionally weaken human expertise if not carefully managed.
The findings highlight the importance of ensuring doctors maintain their skills as AI becomes a bigger part of medical practice, to provide the best possible care for patients.
