ChatGPT Provides Satisfactory but Occasionally Inaccurate Answers to Common Patient Hip Arthroscopy Questions

To assess the ability of ChatGPT to answer common patient questions regarding hip arthroscopy, and to analyze the accuracy and appropriateness of its responses.

Ten questions were selected from well-known patient education websites, and ChatGPT (version 3.5) responses to these questions were graded by 2 fellowship-trained hip preservation surgeons. Responses were analyzed, compared with the current literature, and graded from A to D (A being the highest, and D being the lowest) in a grading scale on the basis of the accuracy and completeness of the response. If the grading differed between the 2 surgeons, a consensus was reached. Inter-rater agreement was calculated. The readability of responses was also assessed using the Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease Score (FRES) and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL).

Responses received the following consensus grades: A (50%, n = 5), B (30%, n = 3), C (10%, n = 1), D (10%, n = 1). Inter-rater agreement on the basis of initial individual grading was 30%. The mean FRES was 28.2 (± 9.2 standard deviation), corresponding to a college graduate level, ranging from 11.7 to 42.5. The mean FKGL was 14.4 (±1.8 standard deviation), ranging from 12.1 to 18, indicating a college student reading level.

ChatGPT can answer common patient questions regarding hip arthroscopy with satisfactory accuracy graded by 2 high-volume hip arthroscopists; however, incorrect information was identified in more than one instance. Caution must be observed when using ChatGPT for patient education related to hip arthroscopy.

Given the increasing number of hip arthroscopies being performed annually, ChatGPT has the potential to aid physicians in educating their patients about this procedure and addressing any questions they may have.