New study examines public perception of AI in mental health care

Thursday, 17 October, 2024

A recent study by the Columbia University School of Nursing has examined public perceptions of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in mental health care.

It found that 49% of people believe AI may be beneficial for mental health care, but this perspective differed based on sociodemographic factors. Notably, participants with lower health literacy perceived AI to be more beneficial, while women saw AI as less beneficial in mental health care.

The study, “Patient Perspectives on AI for Mental Health Care: A Cross-sectional Survey Study” is published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) Mental Health, and involved a nationally representative sample of 500 US-based adults. It is one of the first studies to explore public perspectives of the use of AI for mental health–related applications.

Concerns about Artificial Intelligence

Participants raised several concerns about using AI in mental health care, including:

Incorrect diagnoses
Inappropriate treatments
Reduced interaction with providers
Risks to confidentiality

They emphasised the need for transparency in AI use, autonomy in how it's applied, and clarity on its effectiveness. While participants were least comfortable with AI handling diagnoses, they were more accepting of AI for general wellness advice and talk therapy. Many expressed worry about losing human connection, viewing humans as the primary decision-makers, with AI as a supplemental tool.

Next steps for health professionals

Based on the findings, the researchers suggest that health professionals using AI in mental health care take the following steps:

test AI tools in a controlled, simulated setting before rolling them out more widely
be open about how AI is being used, including its accuracy and any risks for patients
explain how any biases in the AI have been identified and addressed
explain how the process or outcomes might change when using AI
study what kind of information is most helpful to patients, ensuring it reflects their values, helps them understand key concepts, and builds trust
create more opportunities for patients to have a say, so they can work together with health professionals to make decisions.

AI in Australian mental health care

A number of Australian institutions are considering the role of AI in mental health care.

Last year, Melbourne University hosted a panel discussion on how AI technology could provide tangible and sustainable solutions in the field of mental health care, while researchers at Deakin University are drawing on the power of artificial intelligence to develop a new approach to mental health treatment that they hope will speed up diagnoses.

In June, the Albanese Government announced that it is investing almost $30 million in research into new ways to use AI to improve access to health services. This includes a grant of almost $3 million to Melbourne University for infrastructure to integrate “cutting-edge AI technologies” into the treatment of youth mental health conditions.

Flourish Australia wholly supports efforts by governments to address unmet community need for mental health support, particularly among people with complex mental health issues and children and young people.