Can ChatGPT Accurately Answer a PICOT Question? Assessing AI Response to a Clinical Question

Abstract

Background: ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence (AI) text generator trained to predict correct words, can provide answers to questions but has shown mixed results in answering medical questions. Purpose: To assess the reliability and accuracy of ChatGPT in providing answers to a complex clinical question. Methods: A Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Time (PICOT) formatted question was queried, along with a request for references. Full-text articles were reviewed to verify the accuracy of the evidence summary provided by the chatbot. Results: ChatGPT was unable to provide a certifiable response to a PICOT question. The references cited as evidence included incorrect journal information, and many study details summarized by ChatGPT proved to be patently false, including providing fabricated data. Conclusions: ChatGPT provides answers that appear legitimate but may be factually incorrect. The system is not transparent in how it gathers data to answer questions and sometimes fabricates information that looks plausible, making it an unreliable tool for clinical questions.