Article: ChatGPT in complex adaptive healthcare systems: embrace with caution Journal: International Journal of Electronic Healthcare (IJEH) 2025 Vol.14 No.6 pp.1 - 17 Abstract: The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare, particularly through generative AI models like ChatGPT, presents both transformative opportunities and significant challenges. This discussion article explores the systemic impacts of generative AI, highlighting the ethical concerns, particularly around biases, and the shifts in patient-provider dynamics that could disrupt traditional healthcare. Democratising medical knowledge through ChatGPT tools offers new avenues for patient engagement, yet it may affect existing health disparities and erode trust if not responsibly implemented. As generative AI increasingly influences healthcare, it is critical to recognise the intricate feedback loops and dependencies within these complex adaptive systems so that innovations augment rather than destabilise the overall structure. This article advocates an 'embrace with caution' stance, calling for reflexive governance, heightened ethical oversight, and a nuanced appreciation of systemic complexity to harness generative AI's benefits while preserving the integrity of healthcare delivery. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: ChatGPT in complex adaptive healthcare systems: embrace with caution

Authors: Martin Salzmann-Erikson; Camilla Göras; Maria Lindberg; Erebouni Arakelian; Annakarin Olsson

Addresses: Department of Caring Sciences, Faculty of Health and Occupational Studies, University of Gävle, Sweden ' Department of Caring Sciences, Faculty of Health and Occupational Studies, University of Gävle, Sweden ' Department of Caring Sciences, Faculty of Health and Occupational Studies, University of Gävle, Sweden ' Department of Caring Sciences, Faculty of Health and Occupational Studies, University of Gävle, Sweden ' Department of Caring Sciences, Faculty of Health and Occupational Studies, University of Gävle, Sweden

Abstract: The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare, particularly through generative AI models like ChatGPT, presents both transformative opportunities and significant challenges. This discussion article explores the systemic impacts of generative AI, highlighting the ethical concerns, particularly around biases, and the shifts in patient-provider dynamics that could disrupt traditional healthcare. Democratising medical knowledge through ChatGPT tools offers new avenues for patient engagement, yet it may affect existing health disparities and erode trust if not responsibly implemented. As generative AI increasingly influences healthcare, it is critical to recognise the intricate feedback loops and dependencies within these complex adaptive systems so that innovations augment rather than destabilise the overall structure. This article advocates an 'embrace with caution' stance, calling for reflexive governance, heightened ethical oversight, and a nuanced appreciation of systemic complexity to harness generative AI's benefits while preserving the integrity of healthcare delivery.

Keywords: artificial intelligence; AI; complex adaptive systems; health equity; healthcare; health informatics; health information systems; informatics; nursing; patient education.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEH.2025.146764

International Journal of Electronic Healthcare, 2025 Vol.14 No.6, pp.1 - 17

Received: 12 Sep 2024
Accepted: 11 Apr 2025
Published online: 16 Jun 2025 *

Title: ChatGPT in complex adaptive healthcare systems: embrace with caution

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