Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have explored how ChatGPT, an AI-powered chatbot, can support patient understanding for those living with cirrhosis and liver cancer. The study was published in Clinical and Molecular Hepatology, highlighting a growing interest in how artificial intelligence can assist health information delivery while patients navigate complex diagnoses.
ChatGPT rose to popularity because it can generate text that resembles natural human conversation. Beyond chat, the model has demonstrated potential in medical education by answering exam questions for medical students and aiding the preparation of medical documents, which has sparked conversations about its role in clinical settings.
To gauge how accurately the AI could convey information on cirrhosis and liver cancer, the study fed ChatGPT a set of 164 frequently asked questions spanning five topic areas. Two liver transplant specialists independently reviewed the responses to gauge correctness, tone, and usefulness for patients and caregivers.
The results showed that ChatGPT answered roughly three quarters of the questions correctly, with high accuracy across 91 questions across the different categories. The tool also offered practical, easy-to-understand guidance for patients and families adjusting to a new diagnosis, addressing real-world concerns such as symptom management, treatment options, and the implications for daily life.
Despite these observations, the researchers emphasized that direct communication with a clinician remains more reliable for medical decisions. AI-driven information can complement care by expanding access to general knowledge and clarifying terms, but it does not replace personalized medical advice or the nuanced judgment of a physician.
For individuals dealing with cirrhosis or liver cancer, ongoing treatment plans are often long and complex. The medical literature can be dense, and physician time is frequently limited. This makes patient education essential, as better-informed patients are more likely to participate in decisions, adhere to therapies, and report new symptoms promptly. The study underscores the potential value of AI as a supplementary tool to help bridge knowledge gaps and empower patients to engage actively in their care, while still respecting the primacy of professional medical guidance in Canada and the United States.