From Heart to Data: Balancing Feelings, Evidence, and Artificial Intelligence (A I) in 2026 for medical decisions
Jean-Claude LENERS
As it seems obvious that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will suggest the best options for diagnoses and treatments, should we still continue to trust in our own feelings coupled with evidence based documentation? Patient’s expectations and beliefs must also be recognized and acknowledged .The GP should know at the end , how trustful , useful, or limited AI , feelings and our knowledge are in our daily GP practice. The GP should similarly understand the importance of feelings and patient related outcome-measures (PROMs) , if they are to adopt and support treatment proposals in mutualconside rationTeaching method: In smaller groups , three subtopics should be debated under the aspect of feelings and knowledge supported or not by AI: a) Considering different cultural backgrounds of patients and doctors , can equity in our decision making be supported by both feelings and knowledge? b) In ethical consultations for acute or palliative care, can feelings and knowledge or beliefs help us to shape the patient’s and doctor’s autonomy or liberty to decide ? c) Can feelings, even gut feelings in comparison to the patient’s expectations and Proms bring us to a rational decision (with or without AI) in this fraternal patient-doctor relationship? Workshop schedule: After a short introduction to the terms feelings, clinical reasoning and AI in medicine, 3 rounds of 12 minutes will debate in a contradictory manner on the 3 subtopics and colleagues will report briefly for 2 minutes after each round. The authors of the WS will summarize the differences and agreements and a final general questioning will try to weigh feelings, knowledge, and AI together.The participants, through interactive group discussions, should stimulate their own critical self-reflexion and give space to uncertainty, complexity, flexibility, intuitive assessment and open communication in order to come to the best possible medical decisions.In rapidly changing times, becoming more aware of technical options and our own and patients reactions could help us to get more liberty in our daily medical decisions. 3 key words: emotions evidence-based artificial intelliegence
