The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence has brought forth innovative tools in the medical field, with ChatGPT being a prominent example. This chatbot, powered by a large language model, has garnered significant attention since its launch in November 2022. The potential uses of ChatGPT in cardiology, a critical area of healthcare, have prompted a thorough examination of relevant literature. The findings from this systematic review offer insights into how ChatGPT can improve patient care, clinical operations, and future research in cardiology. This review identifies areas where ChatGPT can make substantial contributions, although further exploration is necessary to address ethical and practical concerns.
Systematic Review Findings
A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, MedRxiv, and the Cochrane Library databases was conducted to locate publications on ChatGPT and cardiology until September 30, 2023. The search yielded 115 publications, of which 24 were deemed relevant. These studies were categorized into four cohorts: Cohort A investigated ChatGPT’s role in enhancing patient health literacy. Cohort B focused on its integration in clinical care. Cohort C evaluated its potential in future medical research, and Cohort D consisted of case reports utilizing ChatGPT.
Cohort A-C included 14 records, comprising editorials, research letters, review papers, observational studies, research studies, and short reports. Cohort D included 10 case reports. Notably, no systematic literature reviews, meta-analyses, or randomized controlled trials were identified. The review indicates ChatGPT’s promise in patient education, clinical support, and literature development. However, the need for more rigorous studies to explore these applications and resolve ethical issues remains.
Comparative Analysis
Compared to previous reports, this review emphasizes the expanding role of AI in cardiology. Earlier studies primarily highlighted ChatGPT’s capabilities in general medical advice and patient interaction. This review, however, delves deeper into its specific cardiology applications, offering a more nuanced understanding of its potential. The focus on systematic literature and the inclusion of various study types provide a broader perspective than earlier, more generalized assessments.
The findings reaffirm the potential of ChatGPT in revolutionizing cardiology by enhancing patient education, aiding clinical decision-making, and contributing to future research. However, ethical considerations concerning the use of AI in providing medical advice and authorship remain paramount. Addressing these concerns through further studies will be crucial for the responsible integration of ChatGPT in cardiology.
The systematic review underscores the necessity for ongoing research to fully harness the capabilities of ChatGPT in cardiology. Clinicians and researchers must collaborate to refine AI tools, ensuring they meet ethical standards while delivering high-quality care. As ChatGPT continues to evolve, its applications in cardiology could significantly transform patient outcomes and clinical practices.
Original Article: Cureus. 2024 Apr 24;16(4):e58936. doi: 10.7759/cureus.58936. eCollection 2024 Apr.
