Complicating the results are the ratings given for consistency. Some responses were rated favorably for appropriateness, but the chatbot was inconsistent with how it responded when asked multiple times, calling its reliability into question. 

“Specifically, ChatGPT responses to more than 90% of questions were adequate and useful even by the standards expected of general advice given by nuclear medicine staff. In the three responses rated ‘quite unhelpful’ or ‘quite inappropriate,’ answers in at least one of the repeated trials were precise and correct,” lead author Julian Rogasch, MD, of Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, and colleagues wrote. “Although this observation shows that ChatGPT is per se capable of providing appropriate answers to all 25 tasks, this variation in responses led to a rating of ‘considerable inconsistency.’”

The authors noted that none of the answers generated by ChatGPT would have caused harm. And in general, its responses to patient questions related to PET/CT scans were consistent with those of a medical professional. The final rating for each query was determined by having the researchers vote.

“In a medical context, ChatGPT may be best regarded as an information tool rather than an advisory or decision tool. Every response from ChatGPT included a statement that the findings and their consequences should always be discussed with the treating physician,” they wrote.

Some of the questions posed were rated for empathy, with ChatGPT’s response viewed favorably in five out of six cases. Meaning, the program appears to also have a good bedside manner.

“Questions targeting crucial information, such as staging or treatment, were answered with the necessary empathy and an optimistic outlook,” the authors wrote.