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

Abstract

Background/aims: Patients with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) require extensive and personalized care to improve outcomes. ChatGPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer), a large language model, holds the potential to provide professional yet patient-friendly support. We aimed to examine the accuracy and reproducibility of ChatGPT in answering questions regarding knowledge, management, and emotional support for cirrhosis and HCC.

Methods: ChatGPT's responses to 164 questions were independently graded by two transplant hepatologists and resolved by a third reviewer. The performance of ChatGPT was also assessed using two published questionnaires and 26 questions formulated from the quality measures of cirrhosis management. Finally, its emotional support capacity was tested.

Results: We showed that ChatGPT regurgitated extensive knowledge of cirrhosis (79.1% correct) and HCC (74.0% correct), but only small proportions (47.3% in cirrhosis, 41.1% in HCC) were labeled 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. 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: 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.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence; Chronic disease management; Health communication; Patient education as topic; Telemedicine.

Figure 1.

Flow chart of question selection for cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Frequently asked questions about the knowledge and management of cirrhosis or HCC were collected from patient support groups on Facebook and well-regarded professional societies and institutions. FAQs, frequently asked questions.

Figure 2.

Grade of responses by the ChatGPT language model to questions related to (A) cirrhosis and (B) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The percentage of responses being graded as comprehensive, correct but inadequate, mixed with correct and incorrect/outdated data, and completely incorrect were provided. GPT, Generative Pre-trained Transformer.