Using ChatGPT for Clinical Practice and Medical Education: Cross-Sectional Survey of Medical Students’ and Physicians’ Perceptions

Abstract

Background: ChatGPT is a well-known large language model–based chatbot. It could be used in the medical field in many aspects. However, some physicians are still unfamiliar with ChatGPT and are concerned about its benefits and risks. Objective: We aim to evaluate the perception of physicians and medical students toward using ChatGPT in the medical field. Methods: A web-based questionnaire was sent to medical students, interns, residents, and attending staff with questions regarding their perception toward using ChatGPT in clinical practice and medical education. Participants were also asked to rate their perception of ChatGPT’s generated response about knee osteoarthritis. Results: Participants included 124 medical students, 46 interns, 37 residents, and 32 attending staff. After reading ChatGPT’s response, 132 of the 239 (55.2%) participants had a positive rating about using ChatGPT for clinical practice. The proportion of positive answers was significantly lower in graduated physicians (48/115, 42%) compared with medical students (84/124, 68%; P