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Which AI doctor would you like to see? Emulating healthcare provider–patient communication models with GPT-4: proof-of-concept and ethical exploration

Abstract:
Large language models (LLMs) have demonstrated potential in enhancing various aspects of healthcare, including health provider-patient communication. However, some have raised the concern that such communication may adopt implicit communication norms that deviate from what patients want or need from talking with their healthcare provider. This paper explores the possibility of using LLMs to enable patients to choose their preferred communication style when discussing their medical cases. By providing a proof-of-concept demonstration using ChatGPT-4, we suggest LLMs can emulate different healthcare provider-patient communication approaches (building on Emanuel and Emanuel's four models: paternalistic, informative, interpretive and deliberative). This allows patients to engage in a communication style that aligns with their individual needs and preferences. We also highlight potential risks associated with using LLMs in healthcare communication, such as reinforcing patients' biases and the persuasive capabilities of LLMs that may lead to unintended manipulation.
Publication status:
Published

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Publisher copy:
10.1136/jme-2024-110256

Authors


More by this author
Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
HUMS
Department:
Uehiro Institute
Role:
Author
ORCID:
0000-0002-7734-2186
More by this author
Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
HUMS
Department:
Uehiro Institute
Role:
Author
More by this author
Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
HUMS
Department:
Uehiro Institute
Oxford college:
Jesus College
Role:
Author
ORCID:
0000-0003-3958-8633
More by this author
Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
HUMS
Department:
Uehiro Institute
Oxford college:
St Cross College
Role:
Author
ORCID:
0000-0003-1691-6403


More from this funder
Funder identifier:
https://ror.org/029chgv08
Grant:
226801/Z/22/Z
More from this funder
Funder identifier:
https://ror.org/00k4n6c32
Grant:
101057655
More from this funder
Funder identifier:
https://ror.org/0505m1554
Grant:
AH/W005077/1


Publisher:
BMJ Publishing Group
Journal:
Journal of Medical Ethics More from this journal
Publication date:
2025-03-03
Acceptance date:
2025-02-01
DOI:
EISSN:
1473-4257
ISSN:
0306-6800
Pmid:
40032513


Language:
English
Keywords:
Pubs id:
2094934
Local pid:
pubs:2094934
Deposit date:
2025-03-20

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