Can AI match emergency physicians in managing common emergency cases? A comparative performance evaluation.

BACKGROUND

Large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT are increasingly explored for clinical decision support. However, their performance in high-stakes emergency scenarios remains underexamined. This study aimed to evaluate ChatGPT's diagnostic and therapeutic accuracy compared to a board-certified emergency physician across diverse emergency cases.

METHODS

This comparative study was conducted using 15 standardized emergency scenarios sourced from validated academic platforms (Geeky Medics, Life in the Fast Lane, Emergency Medicine Cases). ChatGPT (GPT-4) and a physician independently evaluated each case based on five predefined parameters: diagnosis, investigations, initial treatment, clinical safety, and decision-making complexity. Cases were scored out of 5. Concordance was categorized as high (5/5), moderate (4/5), or low (≤ 3/5). Wilson confidence intervals (95%) were calculated for each concordance category.

RESULTS

ChatGPT achieved high concordance (5/5) in 8 cases (53.3%, 95% CI: 27.6-77.0%), moderate concordance (4/5) in 4 cases (26.7%, CI: 10.3-55.4%), and low concordance (≤ 3/5) in 3 cases (20.0%, CI: 6.0-45.6%). Performance was strongest in structured, protocol-based conditions such as STEMI, DKA, and asthma. Lower performance was observed in complex scenarios like stroke, trauma with shock, and mixed acid-base disturbances.

CONCLUSION

ChatGPT showed strong alignment with emergency physician decisions in structured scenarios but lacked reliability in complex cases. While AI may enhance decision-making and education, it cannot replace the clinical reasoning of human physicians. Its role is best framed as a supportive tool rather than a substitute.