Work

Use of ChatGPT to obtain health information in Australia, 2024: insights from a nationally representative survey

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ince the launch of ChatGPT in 2022, 1 people have had easy access to a generative artificial intelligence (AI) application that can provide answers to most health-related questions.Although ChatGPT could massively increase access to tailored health information, the risk of inaccurate information is also recognised, particularly with early ChatGPT versions, and its accuracy varies by task and topic. 2 Generative AI tools could be a further problem for health services and clinicians, adding to the already large volume of medical misinformation.3 Discussions of the benefits and risks of the new technology for health equity, patient engagement, and safety need reliable information about who is using ChatGPT, and the types of health information they are seeking.Health and Medical Research Council fellowships (APP2017278, APP2016719).The funders were not involved in study design, data collection, analysis or interpretation, reporting or publication.We acknowledge the contribution of Tara Haynes (Sydney Health Literacy Lab, University of Sydney) to the preparation of the ethics application for this study.

Source: The Medical Journal of Australia

DOI: 10.5694/mja2.52598

Authors: Julie Ayre, Erin Cvejic, Kirsten J McCaffery

Institution: The University of Sydney

Language: English

Topic: Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Education

Subfield: Health Informatics

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,400