Are Large Language Model-Based Chatbots Effective in Providing Reliable Medical Advice for Achilles Tendinopathy? An International Multispecialist Evaluation.

BACKGROUND

Large language model (LLM)-based chatbots have shown potential in providing health information and patient education. However, the reliability of these chatbots in offering medical advice for specific conditions like Achilles tendinopathy remains uncertain. Mixed outcomes in the field of orthopaedics highlight the need for further examination of these chatbots' reliability.

HYPOTHESIS

Three leading LLM-based chatbots can provide accurate and complete responses to inquiries related to Achilles tendinopathy.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Eighteen questions derived from the Dutch clinical guideline on Achilles tendinopathy were posed to 3 leading LLM-based chatbots: ChatGPT 4.0, Claude 2, and Gemini. The responses were incorporated into an online survey assessed by orthopaedic surgeons specializing in Achilles tendinopathy. Responses were evaluated using a 4-point scoring system, where 1 indicates unsatisfactory and 4 indicates excellent. The total scores for the 18 responses were aggregated for each rater and compared across the chatbots. The intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated to assess consistency among the raters' evaluations.

RESULTS

Thirteen specialists from 9 diverse countries and regions participated. Analysis showed no significant difference in the mean total scores among the chatbots: ChatGPT (59.7 ± 5.5), Claude 2 (53.4 ± 9.7), and Gemini (53.6 ± 8.4). The proportions of unsatisfactory responses (score 1) were low and comparable across chatbots: 0.9% for ChatGPT 4.0, 3.4% for Claude 2, and 3.4% for Gemini. In terms of excellent responses (score 4), ChatGPT 4.0 outperformed the others, with 43.6% of the responses rated as excellent, significantly higher than Claude 2 at 27.4% and Gemini at 25.2% ( < .001 for both comparisons). Intraclass correlation coefficients indicated poor reliability for ChatGPT 4.0 (0.420) and moderate reliability for Claude 2 (0.522) and Gemini (0.575).

CONCLUSION

While LLM-based chatbots such as ChatGPT 4.0 can deliver high-quality responses to queries regarding Achilles tendinopathy, the inconsistency among specialist evaluations and the absence of standardized assessment criteria significantly challenge our ability to draw definitive conclusions. These issues underscore the need for a cautious and standardized approach when considering the integration of LLM-based chatbots into clinical settings.