The utility of the ChatGPT artificial intelligence tool for patient education and enquiry in robotic radical prostatectomy

Objectives To assess the ChatGPT (Open AI) artificial intelligence platform’s utility and accuracy as a patient education tool in robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy. Materials and methods The ChatGPT 3.5 interface ( https://chat.openai.com/chat ) was interrogated and asked the 14 questions related to the frequency of complications of robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy as listed on British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) patient information leaflet "Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy)" published July 2021. The AI's responses to each question were tabulated, and compared alongside the official figures quoted from the BAUS information leaflet. A global assessment of the AI’s response was also made for accuracy and relevance to patients. Results Of the 14 questions asked, 11/14 (78.6%) of ChatGPT’s quoted figures were considered concordant and comparable to those quoted by the BAUS patient information leaflet. 13/14 (92.9%) of ChatGPT’s responses were globally assessed to contain accurate information, appropriate, and pertinent to a patient’s potential enquiry. Conclusion ChatGPT is a powerful tool and is able to generate accurate and helpful information for patients seeking information regarding urological procedures and their potential complications. It is not, however, infallible, and urologists should remain vigilant in their patient interactions to any potential misinformation a patient may have gathered from it in their personal research prior to surgery.