The Utility and Limitations of Artificial Intelligence-Powered Chatbots in Healthcare

At the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and healthcare, it is essential that clinicians grasp the ability of chatbots. AI-powered chatbots such as ChatGPT are being explored for their potential benefits by both individuals and institutions. The utility of ChatGPT (OpenAI) in various scenarios was explored through a series of recorded prompts and responses. In the clinical aspects, the chatbot facilitated tasks such as triage, patient consultation, diagnosis, and administrative responsibilities. Their capacity to translate and simplify intricate medical topics was also evaluated. For research purposes, the chatbots' abilities to suggest ideas, prepare protocols, assist in manuscript writing, guide statistical analyses, and recommend suitable journals were assessed. In the educational domain, chatbots were tested for simplifying complex subjects, reviewing procedural steps, generating clinical scenarios, and formulating multiple-choice questions. A comprehensive literature review was also conducted across Medline, Embase, and Web of Science. Chatbots, when optimally employed, can serve as invaluable resources in healthcare, spanning clinical, research, and educational domains. Their potential lies in enhancing efficiency, guiding decision-making, and facilitating patient care and education. However, their application requires a nuanced understanding and caution regarding their limitations.