Oxford University has developed a new AI tool that could revolutionize the way doctors prescribe medication in England. Named DrugGPT, this innovative chatbot aims to provide a safety net for clinicians by offering instant second opinions on prescription choices, potential adverse effects, and drug interactions.
Doctors and healthcare professionals can input a patient’s conditions into DrugGPT for a list of recommended drugs and comprehensive guidance on why a particular medication is being suggested. This additional information can help patients understand the reasons behind their prescriptions and improve medication adherence.
According to Professor David Clifton, the lead researcher behind DrugGPT, the tool’s performance is competitive with human experts, as demonstrated in US medical license exams. While AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini are already in use for diagnosing and note-taking, DrugGPT specifically focuses on medication prescription safety.
Studies have shown that medication errors cost the UK over £98 million annually and result in more than 1,700 deaths. By incorporating DrugGPT into clinical practice, doctors may reduce the risk of prescribing errors and improve patient outcomes.
Dr. Lucy Mackillop, a consultant obstetric physician at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, highlighted the potential benefits of DrugGPT in enhancing doctor-patient communication and medication compliance. Additionally, Dr. Michael Mulholland from the Royal College of GPs emphasized the importance of implementing safety measures to minimize human error in prescribing medications.
While doctors strive to make accurate prescriptions, factors such as workload pressures and complex drug interactions can lead to errors. By integrating tools like DrugGPT into healthcare practices, clinicians may enhance patient safety and medication effectiveness, ultimately leading to better healthcare outcomes for all.
