Facebook allows dodgy ‘chatbot’ docs to send dangerous health advice – including one that diagnoses sepsis as SUNBURN
One case saw case symptoms of a possible heart attack produce a primary diagnosis of 'anxiety disorder'
SYMPTOMS suggesting the deadly infection sepsis were dismissed as sunburn by a chat-bot offering health advice on Facebook.
In a Sun investigation, the bot was told signs included fever, fast heart-rate, fainting and nausea — and there had been no prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Yet it still said the cause was most likely to be heatstroke or sunburn.
In another case, symptoms of a possible heart attack saw a primary diagnosis of “anxiety disorder”.
The diagnoses were offered by bots in response to symptoms typed into Facebook Messenger. Doctors have warned the service, which is unregulated, puts patients at risk.
Prof Helen Stokes-Lampard, from the Royal College of GPs, said: “A system which uses robot-based instant messaging via social media carries significant risks. Patients are humans, not straightforward puzzles for a computer programme to solve.
“The examples of misinformation and missed symptoms we’ve heard of through this investigation are worrying and could lead to potentially serious conditions being overlooked.”
The bots, which can offer more than one diagnosis, warned they should not be treated as doctor’s advice or replace a professional consultation. And they did suggest seeing a medic.
But Joyce Robins, from Patient Concern, said: “Social media sites should not be offering symptom- checkers as a form of entertainment.
“Users may place a misguided amount of trust in their abilities.”
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The NHS is promoting apps to help diagnose illness and ease pressure on GPs. But these are subject to rigorous controls and all similar services must have a CE safety mark.
Facebook said last night: “These bots were built by third parties.
“All bots built for Messenger must adhere to our Platform Policies and Community Guidelines and follow all applicable laws and regulations.”