背景:OpenAI的ChatGPT是高级在线健康信息(OHI)的来源,可以集成到个人寻求健康信息的例程中。然而,人们对其事实准确性和对健康结果的影响表示担忧。预测对医疗实践和公共卫生的影响,需要更多关于谁使用该工具的信息,多久,为了什么。
目的:本研究旨在描述ChatGPTOHI使用的原因和类型,并描述最有可能使用该平台的用户。
方法:在这项横断面调查中,患者通过ResearchMatch平台收到了参与邀请,美国国立卫生研究院的非营利组织。一项基于网络的调查测量了人口特征,使用ChatGPT和其他来源的OHI,经验表征,以及由此产生的健康行为。使用描述性统计来总结数据。使用双尾t检验和Pearson卡方检验将ChatGPTOHI的用户与非用户进行比较。
结果:在2406名受访者中,21.5%(n=517)的受访者报告使用ChatGPT进行OHI。ChatGPT用户比非用户年轻(32.8岁vs39.1岁,P<.001)具有较低的高级程度(BA或更高;49.9%vs67%,P<.001)和更多使用临时医疗保健(ED和紧急护理;P<.001)。ChatGPT用户是一般非ChatGPTOHI的更狂热的消费者(过去6个月内每周或更多OHI寻求频率的百分比,28.2%vs22.8%,P<.001)。约39.3%(n=206)的受访者认可每周使用OHI2-3次或更多的平台,大多数人寻求工具来确定是否需要咨询(47.4%,n=245)或探索替代治疗(46.2%,n=239)。使用表征是有利的,因为许多人认为ChatGPT与其他OHI一样或更有用(87.7%,n=429)和他们的医生(81%,n=407)。约三分之一的受访者要求转介(35.6%,n=184)或更换药物(31%,n=160)基于从ChatGPT接收的信息。由于许多用户对ChatGPT的输出表示怀疑(67.9%,n=336),大多数人求助于他们的医生(67.5%,n=349)。
结论:这项研究强调了AI产生的OHI在塑造寻求健康行为和患者-提供者相互作用的潜在演变中的重要作用。鉴于这些用户倾向于根据人工智能生成的内容制定健康行为改变,医生有机会指导ChatGPTOHI用户对该技术的知情和检查使用。
BACKGROUND: OpenAI\'s ChatGPT is a source of advanced online health information (OHI) that may be integrated into individuals\' health information-seeking routines. However, concerns have been raised about its factual accuracy and impact on health outcomes. To forecast implications for medical practice and public health, more information is needed on who uses the tool, how often, and for what.
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to characterize the reasons for and types of ChatGPT OHI use and describe the users most likely to engage with the platform.
METHODS: In this cross-sectional survey, patients received invitations to participate via the ResearchMatch platform, a nonprofit affiliate of the National Institutes of Health. A web-based survey measured demographic characteristics, use of ChatGPT and other sources of OHI,
experience characterization, and resultant health behaviors. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. Both 2-tailed t tests and Pearson chi-square tests were used to compare users of ChatGPT OHI to nonusers.
RESULTS: Of 2406 respondents, 21.5% (n=517) respondents reported using ChatGPT for OHI. ChatGPT users were younger than nonusers (32.8 vs 39.1 years, P<.001) with lower advanced degree attainment (BA or higher; 49.9% vs 67%, P<.001) and greater use of transient health care (ED and urgent care; P<.001). ChatGPT users were more avid consumers of general non-ChatGPT OHI (percentage of weekly or greater OHI seeking frequency in past 6 months, 28.2% vs 22.8%, P<.001). Around 39.3% (n=206) respondents endorsed using the platform for OHI 2-3 times weekly or more, and most sought the tool to determine if a consultation was required (47.4%, n=245) or to explore alternative treatment (46.2%, n=239). Use characterization was favorable as many believed ChatGPT to be just as or more useful than other OHIs (87.7%, n=429) and their doctor (81%, n=407). About one-third of respondents requested a referral (35.6%, n=184) or changed medications (31%, n=160) based on the information received from ChatGPT. As many users reported skepticism regarding the ChatGPT output (67.9%, n=336), most turned to their physicians (67.5%, n=349).
CONCLUSIONS: This study underscores the significant role of AI-generated OHI in shaping health-seeking behaviors and the potential evolution of patient-provider interactions. Given the proclivity of these users to enact health behavior changes based on AI-generated content, there is an opportunity for physicians to guide ChatGPT OHI users on an informed and examined use of the technology.