Enhancing patient information texts in orthopaedics: How OpenAI's 'ChatGPT' can help

Purpose: The internet has become a primary source for patients seeking healthcare information, but the quality of online information, particularly in orthopaedics, often falls short. Orthopaedic surgeons now have the added responsibility of evaluating and guiding patients to credible online resources. This study aimed to assess ChatGPT's ability to identify deficiencies in patient information texts related to total hip arthroplasty websites and to evaluate its potential for enhancing the quality of these texts.

Methods: In August 2023, 25 websites related to total hip arthroplasty were assessed using a standardized search on Google. Peer-reviewed scientific articles, empty pages, dictionary definitions, and unrelated content were excluded. The remaining 10 websites were evaluated using the hip information scoring system (HISS). ChatGPT was then used to assess these texts, identify deficiencies and provide recommendations.

Results: The mean HISS score of the websites was 9.5, indicating low to moderate quality. However, after implementing ChatGPT's suggested improvements, the score increased to 21.5, signifying excellent quality. ChatGPT's recommendations included using simpler language, adding FAQs, incorporating patient experiences, addressing cost and insurance issues, detailing preoperative and postoperative phases, including references, and emphasizing emotional and psychological support. The study demonstrates that ChatGPT can significantly enhance patient information quality.

Conclusion: ChatGPT's role in elevating patient education regarding total hip arthroplasty is promising. This study sheds light on the potential of ChatGPT as an aid to orthopaedic surgeons in producing high-quality patient information materials. Although it cannot replace human expertise, it offers a valuable means of enhancing the quality of healthcare information available online.

Level of evidence: Level IV.