ChatGPT as an Information Source for Patients with Migraines: A Qualitative Case Study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
• Digital Health

Background:

• Migraines are a leading cause of neurological disability and healthcare costs globally.
• Non-pharmacological and digital interventions are established migraine management tools.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI), specifically ChatGPT, is increasingly explored for healthcare applications, including patient support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate ChatGPT's suitability for assisting migraine patients.
• To assess its ability to provide information on symptom management, treatment options, and daily life impacts.
• To analyze its response quality, including accuracy, clarity, and source citation.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative case study design was employed.
• Ten interactions with ChatGPT concerning various migraine types were analyzed.
• Semi-structured interviews were used to assess the appropriateness and quality of ChatGPT's responses.

Main Results:

• ChatGPT provided relevant, intelligible, and situationally appropriate information aligned with scientific resources.
• Responses offered personalized insights and an empathetic tone, enhancing user engagement.
• Inconsistent and incomprehensible source citations were noted, impacting overall information reliability.

Conclusions:

• ChatGPT demonstrates potential as a valuable tool for migraine patients seeking information, offering benefits over static resources.
• However, issues with reproducibility and accuracy highlight the need for enhanced digital health literacy.
• Continuous evaluation of AI systems is crucial for responsible health communication and understanding their societal impact.