Assessing the performance of ChatGPT in answering questions regarding cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Abstract Background Patients with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) require extensive and personalized care to improve outcomes. ChatGPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer), a natural language processing model, holds potential to provide professional yet patient-friendly support. Aim Examining the accuracy and reproducibility of ChatGPT in answering questions regarding knowledge, management, and emotional support for cirrhosis and HCC. Method ChatGPT’s responses to 164 questions were independently graded by two transplant hepatologists and resolved by a third reviewer. The performance of ChatGPT was compared to physicians or trainees in two validated questionnaires. ChatGPT’s knowledge on cirrhosis care was tested using 26 quality measures of cirrhosis management. Finally, its emotional support capacity was tested. Results ChatGPT regurgitated extensive knowledge of cirrhosis and HCC, but for questions with correct responses, only a small proportion was labelled as comprehensive. The performance was better in basic knowledge, lifestyle, and treatment than in the domains of diagnosis and preventive medicine. For the quality measures, the model answered 76.9% of questions correctly but failed to specify decision-making cut-offs and treatment durations. Compared to physicians/trainees, ChatGPT lacked knowledge of regional guidelines variations, such as HCC screening criteria. However, it provided practical and multifaceted advice to patients and caregivers regarding the next steps and adjusting to a new diagnosis. Conclusion In summary, we analyzed the areas of robustness and limitations of ChatGPT’s responses on the management of cirrhosis and HCC and relevant emotional support. ChatGPT may have a role as an adjunct informational tool for patients and physicians to improve outcomes. Conflict of Interest Disclosures None declared. Funding/Support None Ethics Approval Since all responses from ChatGPT were publicly available, approval from the institutional review board was not sought. Guarantors of article: Dr. Kuo and Spiegel Author Contributions Concept and design: Yeo, Samaan, Spiegel, Kuo Acquisition of data: Yeo, Samaan, Ng, Vipani Data review: Ting, Trivedi, Kuo Statistical analysis: Yeo Drafting of the manuscript: Yeo, Samaan, Ng Critical revision of the manuscript: All authors