The Pat Kenny Show Why do doctors sometimes fail us ? And can AI save lives ? Author and Doctor Charlotte Blease on her new book
Sep 17, 2025
Dr. Charlotte Blease, a health researcher and author of "Dr. Bot," delves into the complexities of diagnostic errors in medicine. She highlights the high rates of misdiagnosis, often exacerbated by clinician burnout and overconfidence. The discussion shifts to how telemedicine and technology can help address these challenges but also reveals the inequities in access. Blease explores the promising roles of AI in healthcare, including its potential for 24/7 availability, while cautioning against its limitations and the importance of governance.
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Diagnostic Error Is More Common Than You Think
- Diagnostic errors are common, occurring in roughly 5–20% of doctor visits and possibly higher.
- Doctors can be highly certain yet wrong, making human judgment fallible in critical care.
Burnout Dramatically Raises Error Rates
- Burnout and depression substantially increase medical errors, including medication mistakes.
- Systemic pressures like rising patient numbers and chronic illness worsen clinician performance.
Patients Often Aren't Heard
- Many doctors interrupt patients and often fail to ask why they came in, harming diagnosis.
- Letting patients speak fully usually reveals the key information they need.
