AI's Hidden Ripples in Healthcare

Nick and Jen explore the unintended and often overlooked consequences of AI in healthcare. Besides well-publicized benefits like diagnostic accuracy, AI introduces subtle shifts in clinicians' cognitive processes, documentation habits, and interactions with patients. These "second-order effects" include issues like diagnostic momentum, algorithmic defensive medicine, and the potential for AI to skew data ecosystems. More than ever, we need thoughtful design and policy changes to mitigate these risks and ensure AI improves healthcare quality and access.