The Pros and Cons of Using ChatGPT in Medical Education: A Scoping Review

Abstract

This scoping review explores the advantages and disadvantages of using ChatGPT in medical education. We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, Scopus, and Science Direct to identify relevant studies. Two reviewers independently conducted study selection and data extraction, followed by a narrative synthesis. Out of 197 references, 25 studies met the eligibility criteria. The primary applications of ChatGPT in medical education include automated scoring, teaching assistance, personalized learning, research assistance, quick access to information, generating case scenarios and exam questions, content creation for learning facilitation, and language translation. We also discuss the challenges and limitations of using ChatGPT in medical education, such as its inability to reason beyond existing knowledge, generation of incorrect information, bias, potential undermining of students’ critical thinking skills, and ethical concerns. These concerns include using ChatGPT for exam and assignment cheating by students and researchers, as well as issues related to patients’ privacy.