JMIR Medical Education (Feb 2024)

Using ChatGPT-Like Solutions to Bridge the Communication Gap Between Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis and Health Care Professionals

  • Chih-Wei Chen,
  • Paul Walter,
  • James Cheng-Chung Wei

DOI
https://doi.org/10.2196/48989
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10
p. e48989

Abstract

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The communication gap between patients and health care professionals has led to increased disputes and resource waste in the medical domain. The development of artificial intelligence and other technologies brings new possibilities to solve this problem. This viewpoint paper proposes a new relationship between patients and health care professionals—“shared decision-making”—allowing both sides to obtain a deeper understanding of the disease and reach a consensus during diagnosis and treatment. Then, this paper discusses the important impact of ChatGPT-like solutions in treating rheumatoid arthritis using methotrexate from clinical and patient perspectives. For clinical professionals, ChatGPT-like solutions could provide support in disease diagnosis, treatment, and clinical trials, but attention should be paid to privacy, confidentiality, and regulatory norms. For patients, ChatGPT-like solutions allow easy access to massive amounts of information; however, the information should be carefully managed to ensure safe and effective care. To ensure the effective application of ChatGPT-like solutions in improving the relationship between patients and health care professionals, it is essential to establish a comprehensive database and provide legal, ethical, and other support. Above all, ChatGPT-like solutions could benefit patients and health care professionals if they ensure evidence-based solutions and data protection and collaborate with regulatory authorities and regulatory evolution.