Using ChatGPT as a Learning Tool in Acupuncture Education: Comparative Study

Abstract

Background: ChatGPT (Open AI) is a state-of-the-art artificial intelligence model with potential applications in the medical fields of clinical practice, research, and education. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the potential of ChatGPT as an educational tool in college acupuncture programs, focusing on its ability to support students in learning acupuncture point selection, treatment planning, and decision-making. Methods: We collected case studies published in Acupuncture in Medicine between June 2022 and May 2023. Both ChatGPT-3.5 and ChatGPT-4 were used to generate suggestions for acupuncture points based on case presentations. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test was conducted to compare the number of acupuncture points generated by ChatGPT-3.5 and ChatGPT-4, and the overlapping ratio of acupuncture points was calculated. Results: Among the 21 case studies, 14 studies were included for analysis. ChatGPT-4 generated significantly more acupuncture points (9.0, SD 1.1) compared to ChatGPT-3.5 (5.6, SD 0.6; P