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

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 However, the platform showed constraints in offering tailored guidance and occasionally cited outdated or irrelevant references.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.