How Italian radiation oncologists use ChatGPT: a survey by the young group of the Italian association of radiotherapy and clinical oncology (yAIRO).

PURPOSE

To investigate the awareness and the spread of ChatGPT and its possible role in both scientific research and clinical practice among the young radiation oncologists (RO).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An anonymous, online survey via Google Forms (including 24 questions) was distributed among young (< 40 years old) ROs in Italy through the yAIRO network, from March 15, 2024, to 31, 2024. These ROs were officially registered with yAIRO in 2023. We particularly focused on the emerging use of ChatGPT and its future perspectives in clinical practice.

RESULTS

A total of 76 young physicians answered the survey. Seventy-three participants declared to be familiar with ChatGPT, and 71.1% of the surveyed physicians have already used ChatGPT. Thirty-one (40.8%) participants strongly agreed that AI has the potential to change the medical landscape in the future. Additionally, 79.1% of respondents agreed that AI will be mainly successful in research processes such as literature review and drafting articles/protocols. The belief in ChatGPT's potential results in direct use in daily practice in 43.4% of the cases, with mainly a fair grade of satisfaction (43.2%). A large part of participants (69.7%) believes in the implementation of ChatGPT into clinical practice, even though 53.9% fear an overall negative impact.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present survey clearly highlight the attitude of young Italian ROs toward the implementation of ChatGPT into clinical and academic RO practice. ChatGPT is considered a valuable and effective tool that can ease current and future workflows.