Northwestern University Demonstrates Three Healthcare Applications for ChatGPT

Northwestern University researchers recently demonstrated three healthcare uses for ChatGPT, a large language model. Doctors asked ChatGPT how to treat a patient with an infection, and while it initially made a wrong decision, it ultimately offered a correct solution with additional information. ChatGPT was created using data from trusted medical databases, providing a structure for fluency. Researchers also created AI assistants which educated low-literacy patients about their health issues. Interestingly, the appearance of these so-called “avatars” played a key role in their effectiveness. Finally, two computer science students created an analytics engine for ChatGPT using emergency department admission data. Although ChatGPT is a relatively new technology in healthcare, it shows great promise for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of care delivery.