Cyprus patient group urges caution over AI medical advice

Nicosia, Cyprus. The Cyprus Federation of Patients’ Associations (Osak) has urged patients to exercise caution when using artificial intelligence to assess symptoms or make treatment decisions, while doctors examine how the technology should be incorporated into medical practice.

Patient guidance

Osak president Miltos Miltiadous told the Cyprus News Agency that AI can be useful, but patients should not rely on it to decide whether to take medication or how to manage a medical condition.

He said Osak had not received any complaints related to patients’ use of AI. However, he noted that patients frequently turn to AI or the internet more generally for information about symptoms and health concerns.

Miltiadous said a patient’s personal doctor remains the most reliable source of guidance, particularly in assessing symptoms and determining what action should be taken.

Under Gesy, patients can also seek a second medical opinion if they are not satisfied with the advice initially received, he added.

Use in medical practice

Miltiadous said technology should not be viewed with fear, but attention should focus on ensuring it is used properly and without causing harm.

The Pancyprian Medical Association has also recently addressed doctors’ use of AI in medical practice.

Its president, Petros Agathangelou, said discussions within the profession had begun but remained at an early stage. The debate concerns how AI can be used as an assisting tool rather than a replacement for doctors’ clinical judgement, and the need for healthcare professionals to receive proper training in its use.