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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2025 Jan 11;25(1):50.
doi: 10.1186/s12909-024-06321-1.

Application of ChatGPT-assisted problem-based learning teaching method in clinical medical education

Zeng Hui  1 , Zhu Zewu  2 , Hu Jiao  2 , Cui Yu  3
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Application of ChatGPT-assisted problem-based learning teaching method in clinical medical education

Zeng Hui et al. BMC Med Educ. .

Abstract

Introduction: Artificial intelligence technology has a wide range of application prospects in the field of medical education. The aim of the study was to measure the effectiveness of ChatGPT-assisted problem-based learning (PBL) teaching for urology medical interns in comparison with traditional teaching.

Methods: A cohort of urology interns was randomly assigned to two groups; one underwent ChatGPT-assisted PBL teaching, while the other received traditional teaching over a period of two weeks. Performance was assessed using theoretical knowledge exams and Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercises. Students' acceptance and satisfaction with the AI-assisted method were evaluated through a survey.

Results: The scores of the two groups of students who took exams three days after the course ended were significantly higher than their scores before the course. The scores of the PBL-ChatGPT assisted group were significantly higher than those of the traditional teaching group three days after the course ended. The PBL-ChatGPT group showed statistically significant improvements in medical interviewing skills, clinical judgment and overall clinical competence compared to the traditional teaching group. The students gave highly positive feedback on the PBL-ChatGPT teaching method.

Conclusion: The study suggests that ChatGPT-assisted PBL teaching method can improve the results of theoretical knowledge assessment, and play an important role in improving clinical skills. However, further research is needed to examine the validity and reliability of the information provided by different chat AI systems, and its impact on a larger sample size.

Keywords: ChatGPT; Medical education; Problem-based learning.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: The Ethics Committee at Xiangya Hospital approved the study. All participants were conveyed about the study by email, written informed consent was obtained once they filled the questionnaire. All methods were carried out in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Study design and flow chart
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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