Evaluation of Oropharyngeal Cancer Information from Revolutionary Artificial Intelligence Chatbot

Abstract

ObjectiveWith burgeoning popularity of artificial intelligence‐based chatbots, oropharyngeal cancer patients now have access to a novel source of medical information. Because chatbot information is not reviewed by experts, we sought to evaluate an artificial intelligence‐based chatbot's oropharyngeal cancer‐related information for accuracy.MethodsFifteen oropharyngeal cancer‐related questions were developed and input into ChatGPT version 3.5. Four physician‐graders independently assessed accuracy, comprehensiveness, and similarity to a physician response using 5‐point Likert scales. Responses graded lower than three were then critiqued by physician‐graders. Critiques were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Readability of responses was assessed using Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) and Flesch–Kincaid Reading Grade Level (FKRGL) scales.ResultsAverage accuracy, comprehensiveness, and similarity to a physician response scores were 3.88 (SD = 0.99), 3.80 (SD = 1.14), and 3.67 (SD = 1.08), respectively. Posttreatment‐related questions were most accurate, comprehensive, and similar to a physician response, followed by treatment‐related, then diagnosis‐related questions. Posttreatment‐related questions scored significantly higher than diagnosis‐related questions in all three domains (p < 0.01). Two themes of the physician critiques were identified: suboptimal education value and potential to misinform patients. The mean FRE and FKRGL scores both indicated greater than an 11th grade readability level—higher than the 6th grade level recommended for patients.ConclusionChatGPT responses may not educate patients to an appropriate degree, could outright misinform them, and read at a more difficult grade level than is recommended for patient material. As oropharyngeal cancer patients represent a vulnerable population facing complex, life‐altering diagnoses, and treatments, they should be cautious when consuming chatbot‐generated medical information.Level of EvidenceN/A Laryngoscope, 2023