190 - Dr. Google Gets an Upgrade: Can AI have a role in patient empowerment?

Technology offers unprecedented access to health information, but navigating it effectively requires understanding which tools serve our recovery and when to step away from screens. Jess from TurnTo shares insights on using AI and technology tools to support recovery from conditions like Long Covid and ME/CFS.• Different technology platforms have different agendas - social media optimizes for view time, search engines for quick clicks• Approximately 10,000 new updates emerge weekly about Long Covid and ME/CFS across research, expert interviews, and patient discussions• AI tools like ChatGPT can provide referenced health information when asked properly, often delivering more comprehensive answers than time-limited doctor appointments• Patient experiences remain undervalued as "weak data" despite containing rich insights that often precede formal research findings• TurnTo's new Personal Health Sidekick feature reads approximately one million words weekly, filtering information based on individual health concerns• AI works best for information gathering and making connections between disparate data points• Balance technology use with offline activities that support recovery - nature, human connection, and reducing nervous system activation• When using AI for health questions, always request references and specify what type of information you're seeking• Technology cannot replace human connection, empathy, and the physical examination healthcare professionals provideLearn more about TurnTo and their Personal Health Sidekick feature in the links below: Check out Turny here (use code "Jackie" for 10% off)Listen to our previous episode HERE Message me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Thankyou for joining me in The Recovery Room. If you found this episode useful & are able to, you can support the show by buying me a coffee or checking out the merchVisit The Recovery Room website: www.JackiesRecoveryRoom.com Follow me on social media channels: @JackiesRecoveryRoom **Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**