Generative Artificial Intelligence in Medical Writing

In recent years, the use of generative artificial intelligence, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, has revolutionised or promises to revolutionise various sectors, including medical writing. This technology offers a range of advantages, but it also presents some limitations that are crucial to understand for a conscious and responsible use. In this article, we will explore how artificial intelligence can be employed in medical writing, highlighting benefits and limitations through concrete examples.

Benefits of Artificial Intelligence in Medical Writing

Efficiency and speed: One of the main advantages of using generative artificial intelligence is the increase in efficiency. ChatGPT can generate drafts of articles, summaries of research, and clinical documents in much less time compared to traditional methods. This allows doctors and medical writers to focus on more complex and value-added tasks.

Access to updated information: Artificial intelligence algorithms can analyse large amounts of data and provide updated and relevant information. This is particularly useful in the medical field, where knowledge and guidelines can change rapidly. For example, ChatGPT can be used to stay updated on the latest research and therapeutic protocols. Indeed, it is possible not only to use these systems to analyse documents but also to use them to search online sources to produce new content.

Content customization: Artificial intelligence can tailor content to the specific needs of the target audience. In medical writing, this means creating documents that are easily understandable for patients or highly technical for professionals in the field. Customisation enhances the effectiveness of communication and understanding of medical information. This can involve adjusting the tone of voice and the level of technical content to match the intended audience, using appropriate prompts to guide the process.

Limitations of generative AI in Medical Writing

Accuracy of information: One of the main limitations of generative AI is the accuracy of the produced information. Although ChatGPT can process and present data convincingly, there is always a risk of errors (hallucinations) or misleading information. It is therefore crucial that any content generated by AI be carefully reviewed by industry experts before publication.

Lack of critical thinking: Artificial intelligence is unable to make critical or ethical evaluations. In medical writing, where accuracy and data integrity are essential, the absence of critical judgement can pose a serious limitation. Medical writers must therefore integrate the output of AI with their own experience and knowledge to ensure the quality of the content.

Ethical and privacy considerations: The use of artificial intelligence in the medical field raises important ethical and privacy questions. It is necessary to ensure that the data used by AI are managed in accordance with privacy regulations and that sensitive information is protected. Additionally, it is crucial to be transparent about the use of AI in the creation of medical content.

Examples of ChatGPT Usage in Medical Writing

Creating summaries of scientific research: ChatGPT can be used to synthesise complex scientific articles, making the information more accessible to professionals in the field and patients. For example, a research article on a new therapy can be summarised into an easy-to-read document highlighting key points and main results.

Development of patient educational material: Generative AI can create personalised educational material for patients, explaining medical conditions, treatments, and procedures in an understandable manner. This type of content can improve therapy adherence and understanding of one’s health conditions.

Assistance in clinical protocol drafting: Drafting clinical protocols requires precision and attention to detail. ChatGPT can support this process by generating drafts that can then be reviewed and refined by experts, saving time and reducing workload.

Conclusions

Generative artificial intelligence represents a valuable resource in the field of medical writing, offering significant benefits in terms of efficiency, access to information, and content customization. However, it is essential to be aware of its limitations and ensure that each output is accurate, ethical, and compliant with current regulations. By integrating AI with human expertise, it is possible to fully exploit the potential of this technology to improve communication and education in the medical field.

For further insights into the use of artificial intelligence in medical writing, you can refer to these resources:

• Nature: The role of AI in healthcare
• JAMA Network: Ethical considerations in AI
• Harvard Business Review: How AI is transforming healthcare

By using artificial intelligence responsibly and informedly, we can significantly improve the quality and effectiveness of medical writing, benefiting both professionals in the field and patients.