Evaluation of ChatGPT for Pelvic Floor Surgery Counseling
Colin M. Johnson, Catherine S. Bradley, Kimberly A. Kenne, Sarah R. Rabice, Elizabeth Takacs, Annah Vollstedt, Joseph T. Kowalski
Abstract
IMPORTANCE: Large language models are artificial intelligence applications that can comprehend and produce human-like text and language. ChatGPT is one such model. Recent advances have increased interest in the utility of large language models in medicine. Urogynecology counseling is complex and time-consuming. Therefore, we evaluated ChatGPT as a potential adjunct for patient counseling. OBJECTIVE: Our primary objective was to compare the accuracy and completeness of ChatGPT responses to information in standard patient counseling leaflets regarding common urogynecological procedures. STUDY DESIGN: Seven urogynecologists compared the accuracy and completeness of ChatGPT responses to standard patient leaflets using 5-point Likert scales with a score of 3 being "equally accurate" and "equally complete," and a score of 5 being "much more accurate" and much more complete, respectively. This was repeated 3 months later to evaluate the consistency of ChatGPT. Additional analysis of the understandability and actionability was completed by 2 authors using the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool. Analysis was primarily descriptive. First and second ChatGPT queries were compared with the Wilcoxon signed rank test. RESULTS: The median (interquartile range) accuracy was 3 (2-3) and completeness 3 (2-4) for the first ChatGPT query and 3 (3-3) and 4 (3-4), respectively, for the second query. Accuracy and completeness were significantly higher in the second query (P < 0.01). Understandability and actionability of ChatGPT responses were lower than the standard leaflets. CONCLUSIONS: ChatGPT is similarly accurate and complete when compared with standard patient information leaflets for common urogynecological procedures. Large language models may be a helpful adjunct to direct patient-provider counseling. Further research to determine the efficacy and patient satisfaction of ChatGPT for patient counseling is needed.