ChatGPT Education for Breast Reconstruction in Breast Cancer

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Saif M Badran, M.D., Ph.D., FRCS

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Washington University School of Medicine

Disqualifiers: Non-English speakers, Under 18, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

410 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to explore the impact of ChatGPT-generated patient education on the experience of those preparing for breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. Participants will either receive educational materials created by ChatGPT or use the usual information provided. After their consultation, both patients and surgeons will complete surveys to share their satisfaction and insights about the educational materials. This trial suits individuals scheduled for a breast reconstruction consultation following a mastectomy who can speak and understand English. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative educational approaches in healthcare.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that ChatGPT-generated patient education is safe for use in breast reconstruction consultations?

A previous study found that using ChatGPT to create patient education materials made medical information easier to read and understand. This is important because it helps patients grasp complex topics more easily. Research shows that ChatGPT effectively answers patient questions about breast surgery and related procedures. Studies also indicate that ChatGPT provides reliable therapy recommendations for breast cancer cases.

Regarding safety, receiving educational materials created by ChatGPT poses no direct health risks. The main concern is ensuring the information's accuracy and usefulness. Surgeons review and verify the ChatGPT-generated materials to ensure correctness before patients receive them, reducing potential errors.

Overall, using ChatGPT for patient education is well-received, with no reported negative effects, as it aids understanding rather than serving as a medical treatment. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using ChatGPT-generated patient education for breast reconstruction in breast cancer because it offers a personalized and accessible way to inform patients about their options. Unlike traditional methods where patients receive standard information during consultations, this approach provides tailored education materials before the appointment, giving patients time to process and formulate questions. This innovative use of AI aims to enhance patient understanding and engagement, potentially leading to more informed decision-making and better outcomes.

What evidence suggests that ChatGPT-generated patient education is effective for breast reconstruction consultations?

This trial will compare ChatGPT-generated patient education with usual education methods for breast reconstruction in breast cancer patients. Research has shown that ChatGPT can help patients better understand their breast reconstruction options. Studies indicate that ChatGPT simplifies complex medical information, making it easier for patients to grasp their choices. One study found that materials created by ChatGPT provided accurate and personalized advice tailored to each patient's needs. Additionally, ChatGPT helps patients formulate important questions for their surgeons, improving communication during appointments. Overall, ChatGPT's ability to personalize and simplify information suggests it could be helpful in educating patients about breast reconstruction. ^{1 2 4 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Saif M Badran, M.D., Ph.D., FRCS

Principal Investigator

Washington University School of Medicine

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for patients scheduled for breast reconstruction consultation after breast cancer. There are no specific inclusion or exclusion criteria provided, so it appears open to all individuals preparing for this type of surgery who are willing to participate in the study surveys.

Inclusion Criteria

Can speak and understand English

I have an appointment for breast reconstruction consultation at Washington University after mastectomy.

Exclusion Criteria

Not meeting the surgeon eligibility criteria

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Pre-consultation

Patients receive either ChatGPT-generated or usual patient education prior to their consultation

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Consultation

In-person consultation with the plastic surgeon, followed by patient and surgeon surveys

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for satisfaction and understanding through surveys

1-2 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• ChatGPT-generated patient education

Trial Overview The study compares two types of patient education before a surgical consult: one using ChatGPT-generated materials and the other using standard educational methods. Patients' satisfaction with their consultations will be measured through surveys, as will surgeons' opinions on the utility of ChatGPT information.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: ChatGPT-generated patient education Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

* Pre-consultation ChatGPT patient education: The patients randomized into the ChatGPT education group will receive a ChatGPT patient education on paper prior to their consultation. The ChatGPT will write a patient-tailored education regarding possible reconstruction options. The patient will review this independently, without additional input or guidance from a research team member * Patient post-consultation survey: All patients will receive a survey after the planned in-person consultation with the plastic surgeon.

Group II: Usual education Active Control 1 Intervention

\- Patients will not receive any additional information prior to their consultation.

Group III: Surgeons Active Control 1 Intervention

* In order for the surgeon to be blinded to the study arm, all participants will have ChatGPT education created. Participating surgeons will review each patient education sheet prior to the consult and score the accuracy of the provided education sheet. The surgeon will proceed with the consultation as planned. The surgeon is blinded to the patient's study arm as they will be reviewing ChatGPT education for all patients. If any inaccuracies are identified in the patient education sheet, the surgeon will address this with the study team and have the errors fixed prior to providing to the patient. * The surgeon will receive a survey after each in-person consultation, covering patient experience, surgeon experience, and education material accuracy.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Washington University School of Medicine

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2,027

Recruited

2,353,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11927646/

Assessment of Appearance-related Questions About ... In this study, we assessed the quality of questions generated by ChatGPT for breast reconstruction patients to ask their providers.

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06981208

ChatGPT & Surgeon Synergy: Redefining Breast ... In this study, patients who are scheduled for breast reconstruction consultation will be randomized into the intervention group (ChatGPT-generated patient ...

3. tbcr.amegroups.org tbcr.amegroups.org/article/view/99318/html

Enhancing patient education in breast surgery: artificial ... This study evaluates ChatGPT's role in supporting patient inquiries regarding four key plastic surgery procedures: mastopexy, breast augmentation, breast ...

4. ascopubs.org ascopubs.org/doi/abs/10.1200/JCO.2025.43.16_suppl.e13721

Role of artificial intelligence in patient-friendly breast ... Our study suggests modifications made by ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini result in successful text simplification. AI can effectively communicate ...

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2472630325000433

Large language models in breast cancer reconstruction ChatGPT-4 applies patient-specific data to produce accurate recovery guidance that generates personalized advice for individual treatment requirements. Serving ...

6. mdpi.com mdpi.com/1718-7729/31/7/284

Quality of ChatGPT-Generated Therapy Recommendations ... Our study evaluated ChatGPT's performance in suggesting treatments for 30 breast cancer cases. AI's role in healthcare is expanding.

7. pubs.rsna.org pubs.rsna.org/doi/abs/10.1148/rycan.230086

Evaluating the Use of ChatGPT to Accurately Simplify ... ChatGPT simplified answers to common breast cancer screening and prevention questions by improving the readability by four grade levels.