Enhancing Postoperative Cochlear Implant Care With ChatGPT-4: A Study on Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Assisted Patient Education and Support

Abstract

Background: Cochlear implantation is a critical surgical intervention for patients with severe hearing loss. Postoperative care is essential for successful rehabilitation, yet access to timely medical advice can be challenging, especially in remote or resource-limited settings. Integrating advanced artificial intelligence (AI) tools like Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT)-4 in post-surgical care could bridge the patient education and support gap.

Aim: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of ChatGPT-4 as a supplementary information resource for postoperative cochlear implant patients. The focus was on evaluating the AI chatbot's ability to provide accurate, clear, and relevant information, particularly in scenarios where access to healthcare professionals is limited.

Materials and methods: Five common postoperative questions related to cochlear implant care were posed to ChatGPT-4. The AI chatbot's responses were analyzed for accuracy, response time, clarity, and relevance. The aim was to determine whether ChatGPT-4 could serve as a reliable source of information for patients in need, especially if the patients could not reach out to the hospital or the specialists at that moment.

Results: ChatGPT-4 provided responses aligned with current medical guidelines, demonstrating accuracy and relevance. The AI chatbot responded to each query within seconds, indicating its potential as a timely resource. Additionally, the responses were clear and understandable, making complex medical information accessible to non-medical audiences. These findings suggest that ChatGPT-4 could effectively supplement traditional patient education, providing valuable support in postoperative care.

Conclusion: The study concluded that ChatGPT-4 has significant potential as a supportive tool for cochlear implant patients post surgery. While it cannot replace professional medical advice, ChatGPT-4 can provide immediate, accessible, and understandable information, which is particularly beneficial in special moments. This underscores the utility of AI in enhancing patient care and supporting cochlear implantation.

Keywords: artificial intelligence in medicine; chatgpt-4; cochlear implant; patient education; postoperative care.