The utility of ChatGPT in gender-affirming mastectomy education

Introduction: The integration of AI such as ChatGPT in medicine has been showing promise in enhancing patient education. Gender-affirming mastectomy (GAM) is a surgical procedure designed to help individuals transition to their self-identified gender, playing a crucial role in mitigating psychological distress for many transmasculine and non-binary (TNB) patients. With increased demand and attention towards GAM, plastic and reconstructive surgeons may rely on AI-driven chatbots as an accessible, accurate, and patient-driven model for relevant details on this procedure. Specific Aim(s): This study aimed to assess the quality and readability of information provided by ChatGPT in response to frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to GAM. Methods: Inspired by online forums and physician websites, 10 frequently asked questions (FAQs) about pre- and postoperative topics were submitted to ChatGPT and assessed using validated readability score measures and expert interpretation. Results: The average readability score was 16.0 +/- 1, indicating a college or graduate reading level. Mean accuracy, comprehensiveness, and danger scores were 8.8 +/- 0.5, 7.8 +/- 0.7, and 2.2 +/- 0.4, respectively. Although physicians appreciated ChatGPT's tone, patient autonomy, and advice to seek professional medical and mental help, they also cited instance of generic information, misinformation, support of debated techniques, and pathologization of gender dysphoria. Conclusion: Even with its promise in providing accurate and comprehensive information on GAM, ChatGPT's current limitations suggest caution as a supplementary tool to physician consultation. (c) 2024 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.