โก Quick Summary
This study explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the surgical consent process, specifically using ChatGPT-4 to enhance patient understanding and satisfaction. Results indicate that while 71% of participants felt adequately informed, concerns about data privacy and the lack of personal interaction remain significant.
๐ Key Details
- ๐ฅ Participants: 86 individuals, including laypeople and medical staff
- ๐ง Technology: AI-driven consent process using ChatGPT-4
- ๐ Procedure: Simulated consent for a tonsillectomy
- ๐ Metrics: 71% felt informed, 86% found information clear
๐ Key Takeaways
- ๐ค AI integration in surgical consent processes shows promise for enhancing patient understanding.
- ๐ High satisfaction rates: 71% of participants reported satisfaction with the AI-driven process.
- ๐ Clarity of information: 86% found the information provided by AI to be clear.
- ๐ฌ Personal interaction: Concerns about the lack of human empathy were noted.
- ๐ Data privacy: Only 42% felt reassured about the security of their data.
- โ๏ธ Standardization: AI’s ability to standardize information could reduce human error.
- ๐ Future research: Needed to refine AI interactions for more empathetic engagements.
๐ Background
The integration of artificial intelligence in healthcare is transforming patient interactions and service delivery. One area of focus is the surgical consent process, where AI can potentially enhance the clarity and consistency of information provided to patients. However, the balance between technological efficiency and the essential human touch remains a critical consideration.
๐๏ธ Study
This study employed a mixed-methods approach to evaluate the effectiveness of an AI-driven consent process for a tonsillectomy. Participants interacted with ChatGPT-4, which provided comprehensive explanations of the procedure, associated risks, and benefits. Following the interaction, participants completed surveys to assess their experiences quantitatively and qualitatively.
๐ Results
The findings revealed a cautiously optimistic response to the AI-driven consent process. A notable 71% of participants felt adequately informed, while 86% found the information clear. However, only 42% felt reassured about data privacy, highlighting a significant area for improvement. The absence of empathetic human interaction was also a concern, with many participants expressing a desire for more personal engagement.
๐ Impact and Implications
The implications of this study are profound. While AI has the potential to standardize and enhance the surgical consent process, it is essential to address the challenges of data privacy and the need for personal interaction. The findings suggest that AI can complement traditional methods, but it should not replace the critical human elements of care that foster trust and understanding between patients and healthcare providers.
๐ฎ Conclusion
This study highlights the potential of AI to improve the surgical consent process by providing clear and standardized information. However, it also underscores the importance of maintaining the human touch in healthcare interactions. Future efforts should focus on refining AI technologies to ensure they enhance rather than replace the empathetic elements of patient care, ultimately leading to improved patient satisfaction and trust.
๐ฌ Your comments
What are your thoughts on the integration of AI in surgical consent processes? Do you believe it can enhance patient care while maintaining the necessary human connection? ๐ฌ Share your insights in the comments below or connect with us on social media:
Artificial Intelligence-Powered Surgical Consent: Patient Insights.
Abstract
Introduction The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare has revolutionized patient interactions and service delivery. AI’s role extends from supporting clinical diagnostics and enhancing operational efficiencies to potentially improving informed consent processes in surgical settings. This study investigates the application of AI, particularly large language models like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, in facilitating surgical consent, focusing on patient understanding, satisfaction, and trust. Methods We employed a mixed-methods approach involving 86 participants, including laypeople and medical staff, who engaged in a simulated AI-driven consent process for a tonsillectomy. Participants interacted with ChatGPT-4, which provided detailed procedure explanations, risks, and benefits. Post-interaction, participants completed a survey assessing their experience through quantitative and qualitative measures. Results Participants had a cautiously optimistic response to AI in the surgical consent process. Notably, 71% felt adequately informed, 86% found the information clear, and 71% felt they could make informed decisions. Overall, 71% were satisfied, 57% felt respected and confident, and 57% would recommend it, indicating areas needing refinement. However, concerns about data privacy and the lack of personal interaction were significant, with only 42% reassured about the security of their data. The standardization of information provided by AI was appreciated for potentially reducing human error, but the absence of empathetic human interaction was noted as a drawback. Discussion While AI shows promise in enhancing the consistency and comprehensiveness of information delivered during the consent process, significant challenges remain. These include addressing data privacy concerns and bridging the gap in personal interaction. The potential for AI to misinform due to system “hallucinations” or inherent biases also needs consideration. Future research should focus on refining AI interactions to support more nuanced and empathetic engagements, ensuring that AI supplements rather than replacing human elements in healthcare. Conclusion The integration of AI into surgical consent processes could standardize and potentially improve the delivery of informationย but must be balanced with efforts to maintain the critical human elements of care. Collaborative efforts between developers, clinicians, and ethicists are essential to optimize AI use, ensuring it complements the traditional consent process while enhancing patient satisfaction and trust.
Author: [‘Teasdale A’, ‘Mills L’, ‘Costello R’]
Journal: Cureus
Citation: Teasdale A, et al. Artificial Intelligence-Powered Surgical Consent: Patient Insights. Artificial Intelligence-Powered Surgical Consent: Patient Insights. 2024; 16:e68134. doi: 10.7759/cureus.68134