Artificial Intelligence-Powered Surgical Consent: Patient Insights

Area of Science:

• Healthcare technology
• Medical informatics
• Artificial intelligence in medicine

Background:

• Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming healthcare delivery, impacting diagnostics, operational efficiency, and patient interactions.
• The informed consent process in surgery is a critical area where AI, specifically large language models, could enhance patient understanding and trust.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the application of AI, such as ChatGPT-4, in facilitating surgical informed consent.
• To evaluate patient understanding, satisfaction, and trust in an AI-driven consent process for a tonsillectomy.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods study involving 86 participants (laypeople and medical staff).
• Participants engaged in a simulated AI-driven consent process using ChatGPT-4 for a tonsillectomy.
• Post-interaction surveys assessed experiences through quantitative and qualitative measures.

Main Results:

• 71% of participants felt adequately informed and capable of making informed decisions.
• 86% found the AI-provided information clear, and 71% were satisfied with the process.
• Significant concerns were raised regarding data privacy (42% reassured) and the lack of empathetic human interaction.

Conclusions:

• AI integration in surgical consent offers potential for standardized, comprehensive information delivery.
• Addressing data privacy and maintaining empathetic human interaction are crucial for successful AI adoption.
• Future research should focus on refining AI to supplement, not replace, human elements in the consent process, balancing technology with essential patient care.