Researchers at Penn Medicine are delving into the potential of conversational AI tools like ChatGPT in the medical field. Here’s a summary of the article:
ChatGPT in Medicine: When asked about its role in medicine, ChatGPT provides a detailed explanation of its potential applications in healthcare. However, researchers at Penn, including Samiran Mukherjee, MBBS, chief fellow in Gastroenterology at the Perelman School of Medicine, are actively studying it.
AI’s Role in Healthcare: Mukherjee believes that AI technology is here to stay. He emphasizes the importance of understanding how medical professionals can leverage it and how patients might interact with it. He sees AI as a tool that can enhance accuracy and efficiency in patient treatment.
Educational Potential: Mukherjee’s recent research, published in Gastro Hep Advances, explored the capability of ChatGPT and other AI tools in patient education. The study focused on whether ChatGPT could advise patients on the need for a colonoscopy based on various health data. The results showed that ChatGPT could apply medical standards in many cases, but it struggled with more nuanced questions.
Resource Allocation: With the challenges of long appointment wait times, nurse shortages, and remote locations, AI chatbots might offer a solution. They can help patients identify conditions that require immediate medical attention and suggest remedies for less severe conditions, freeing up resources for emergencies.
Limitations of AI: While AI has potential, it lacks critical thinking and emotional intelligence. It can’t interpret conflicting guidelines or understand the nuances of human interaction, like body language or tone. For urgent issues, human doctors remain the best choice.