npj Digital Medicine (Jul 2024)

The long but necessary road to responsible use of large language models in healthcare research

  • Jethro C. C. Kwong,
  • Serena C. Y. Wang,
  • Grace C. Nickel,
  • Giovanni E. Cacciamani,
  • Joseph C. Kvedar

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41746-024-01180-y
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 7, no. 1
pp. 1 – 3

Abstract

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Large language models (LLMs) have shown promise in reducing time, costs, and errors associated with manual data extraction. A recent study demonstrated that LLMs outperformed natural language processing approaches in abstracting pathology report information. However, challenges include the risks of weakening critical thinking, propagating biases, and hallucinations, which may undermine the scientific method and disseminate inaccurate information. Incorporating suitable guidelines (e.g., CANGARU), should be encouraged to ensure responsible LLM use.