Boston, MA — May 5, 2026 — OpenNotes is pleased to announce the launch of a new public-facing resource: How to Use Artificial Intelligence (AI) andLarge Language Models (LLMs) To Understand Your Health Information. The resource is available in English and Spanish.
As more patients and care partners begin experimenting with AI chatbots to better understand their medical information, many are looking for practical guidance about how to use these tools thoughtfully and safely. This new OpenNotes resource offers accessible information about AI, large language models (LLMs), open notes, privacy, bias, and responsible use of health information.
The web-based resource was created for patients, care partners, patient advocates, and healthcare professionals seeking trustworthy educational materials about emerging uses of AI in healthcare. It includes plain-language explanations, examples of how patients are using AI tools alongside open notes, and tips for protecting privacy when sharing health information with AI systems.
“Patients are already using AI tools to help interpret medical information and prepare for healthcare visits,” said Catherine M. DesRoches, DrPH, Executive Director of OpenNotes and Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. “We created this resource to help people approach these technologies thoughtfully, understand potential risks and limitations, and feel more prepared to ask informed questions about their care.”
The resource builds on emerging OpenNotes research examining how patients may use AI tools to better understand open notes. A proof-of-concept study from OpenNotes researchers found that large language models may help patients interpret clinical notes, though the authors emphasized the importance of patient education and careful use of these technologies.
The new resource addresses common questions including:
- What is AI in healthcare?
- What are large language models (LLMs)?
- How are people using AI to understand their health information?
- What are the risks and privacy concerns associated with AI tools?
- What is known about bias in health AI?
- The resource also encourages users to remember that AI tools are not substitutes for medical care or professional medical advice.
As with other OpenNotes educational materials, healthcare organizations, patient advocacy groups, patient family advisory councils (PFACs), clinicians, and community organizations are encouraged to adapt and reuse the content. Except where otherwise noted, the materials are shared under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, allowing organizations to copy, redistribute, remix, transform, and build upon the work for educational or organizational purposes.
OpenNotes hopes the resource will support conversations among patients, care partners, clinicians, researchers, and healthcare organizations about the growing role of AI in understanding health information.
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About OpenNotes
Based at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, OpenNotes is an academic lab studying, spreading, and teaching transparent communication between patients, care partners, and clinicians. Evidence shows that when patients and care partners have access to clinical notes—known as “open notes”—the quality and safety of care improve. Learn more at opennotes.org.
Except where otherwise noted, the content by OpenNotes is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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