Evaluating AI's Efficacy in Enhancing Patient Education and Answering FAQs in Plastic Surgery: A Focused Case Study on Breast Reconstruction Evaluating AI's efficacy in breast surgery

Giuseppe A.G. Lombardo (1), Rosario Ranno (2), Dario Melita (3), Isidoro Musmarra (4), Paolo Marchica (5), Francesco Ciancio (6)
(1) Kore University Enna, Italy, Italy,
(2) 1. Burn & Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery,,Azienda Ospedaliera Cannizzaro, Italy, Italy,
(3) Plastic and Reconstructive Microsurgery, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy., Italy,
(4) Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery,,Azienda Ospedaliera Cannizzaro, Italy, Italy,
(5) Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Treviso General Hospital, Treviso, Italy. , Italy,
(6) Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Bari, Italy, Italy

Abstract

Background: The rapid advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in the healthcare sector offers new horizons for patient education and has the potential to redefine patient-provider interactions. Our research aimed to gauge the efficacy of ChatGPT-4 in delivering accurate, current, and safe medical guidance on breast reconstruction, and benchmark its responses against other established patient information channels.


Methods: We presented ChatGPT-4 with six frequently posed questions about breast reconstruction. The model's replies were critically assessed by a committee of experienced plastic and reconstructive surgeons. To ensure the precision of the information, its responses were further cross-referenced against two major medical databases.


Results: The results revealed that ChatGPT-4 produced well-articulated, factually sound, and holistic answers to the presented inquiries. However, the platform showed constraints in offering tailored guidance and occasionally cited outdated or irrelevant references. Notably, the system consistently advocated for professional consultation for nuanced information.


Conclusion: ChatGPT-4 has emerged as a potential supplementary resource in patient education concerning breast reconstruction. Nevertheless, to harness its full potential and ensure its seamless integration into healthcare, further refinements and advancements in AI tools are paramount. The study underscores the importance of continuous evaluation and enhancement for AI solutions in the evolving landscape of patient education.

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Authors

Giuseppe A.G. Lombardo
giuseppe.lombardo@unikore.it (Primary Contact)
Rosario Ranno
Dario Melita
Isidoro Musmarra
Paolo Marchica
Francesco Ciancio
1.
Lombardo GA, Ranno R, Melita D, Musmarra I, Marchica P, Ciancio F. Evaluating AI’s Efficacy in Enhancing Patient Education and Answering FAQs in Plastic Surgery: A Focused Case Study on Breast Reconstruction: Evaluating AI’s efficacy in breast surgery. Arch Breast Cancer [Internet]. 2024 May 1 [cited 2024 Oct. 3];11(2):147-58. Available from: https://www.archbreastcancer.com/index.php/abc/article/view/881

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