Research Article

The Promise and the Challenge: Large Language Models for Patient Education - Are We There Yet?

Volume: 5 Number: 3 July 29, 2024
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The Promise and the Challenge: Large Language Models for Patient Education - Are We There Yet?

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the potential of large language models (LLMs) for delivering patient education materials. Two LLMs, Gemini and ChatGPT 3.5, were analysed for their ability to provide clear and understandable information on the topic of blepharitis, a common eye condition. The understandability and actionability of the information provided by the LLMs in response to a set of questions were evaluated using PEMAT, a standardised tool for assessing educational materials. The responses included the important aspects of blepharitis, yet the Flesch-Kincaid readability scores were below the suggested range of 60-70 for patient education materials. Gemini received a score of 38.75, whereas ChatGPT 3.5 earned 26.35, suggesting that the content might be too intricate for the target audience.. These findings suggest that while LLMs have the potential to be informative resources, their current readability levels may limit their effectiveness in providing accessible health information to patients. Further research is needed to explore methods for adapting LLM outputs to ensure clear and concise communication suitable for patient education.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Ophthalmology

Journal Section

Research Article

Early Pub Date

August 12, 2024

Publication Date

July 29, 2024

Submission Date

March 21, 2024

Acceptance Date

July 2, 2024

Published in Issue

Year 2024 Volume: 5 Number: 3

APA
Yılmaz, İ. E. (2024). The Promise and the Challenge: Large Language Models for Patient Education - Are We There Yet? Experimental and Applied Medical Science, 5(3), 137-149. https://doi.org/10.46871/eams.1456744
AMA
1.Yılmaz İE. The Promise and the Challenge: Large Language Models for Patient Education - Are We There Yet? Exp Appl Med Sci. 2024;5(3):137-149. doi:10.46871/eams.1456744
Chicago
Yılmaz, İbrahim Edhem. 2024. “The Promise and the Challenge: Large Language Models for Patient Education - Are We There Yet?”. Experimental and Applied Medical Science 5 (3): 137-49. https://doi.org/10.46871/eams.1456744.
EndNote
Yılmaz İE (July 1, 2024) The Promise and the Challenge: Large Language Models for Patient Education - Are We There Yet? Experimental and Applied Medical Science 5 3 137–149.
IEEE
[1]İ. E. Yılmaz, “The Promise and the Challenge: Large Language Models for Patient Education - Are We There Yet?”, Exp Appl Med Sci, vol. 5, no. 3, pp. 137–149, July 2024, doi: 10.46871/eams.1456744.
ISNAD
Yılmaz, İbrahim Edhem. “The Promise and the Challenge: Large Language Models for Patient Education - Are We There Yet?”. Experimental and Applied Medical Science 5/3 (July 1, 2024): 137-149. https://doi.org/10.46871/eams.1456744.
JAMA
1.Yılmaz İE. The Promise and the Challenge: Large Language Models for Patient Education - Are We There Yet? Exp Appl Med Sci. 2024;5:137–149.
MLA
Yılmaz, İbrahim Edhem. “The Promise and the Challenge: Large Language Models for Patient Education - Are We There Yet?”. Experimental and Applied Medical Science, vol. 5, no. 3, July 2024, pp. 137-49, doi:10.46871/eams.1456744.
Vancouver
1.İbrahim Edhem Yılmaz. The Promise and the Challenge: Large Language Models for Patient Education - Are We There Yet? Exp Appl Med Sci. 2024 Jul. 1;5(3):137-49. doi:10.46871/eams.1456744

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