ChatGPT and the healthcare industry: a comprehensive analysis of its impact on medical writing

PurposeThis article aims to explore the benefits and drawbacks of incorporating ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence language model, in medical writing and its potential impact on the healthcare field.MethodA literature review was conducted using PubMed databases to search for relevant articles on the use of ChatGPT in medical writing. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were established, resulting in a total of 48 papers retrieved from PubMed, with one article listing ChatGPT as a co-author. These articles were analyzed to provide a comprehensive review of the benefits and shortcomings of ChatGPT in medical writing.ResultsThe incorporation of ChatGPT in medical writing offers several potential benefits, including increased efficiency, cost-effectiveness, standardization, and accessibility. ChatGPT can streamline the writing process, save time, and generate preliminary drafts for medical writers to refine. It can also ensure consistent formatting, style, and terminology, making medical documents more comprehensible and accessible to healthcare professionals and patients. However, ChatGPT has limitations and potential shortcomings, such as the lack of expertise compared to human medical writers, reliance on data quality, lack of adaptability, and ethical implications.ConclusionsWhile ChatGPT can assist in medical writing, it cannot replace human medical writers or healthcare professionals. The expertise and judgment of human professionals are crucial in ensuring accurate and comprehensive medical reports. Nevertheless, implementing ChatGPT in the healthcare industry has the potential to standardize and improve the accessibility of medical information, enhancing patient participation and health outcomes. Thorough consideration of ethical and legal implications is necessary to ensure responsible usage. Further research is required to fully explore the benefits and shortcomings of ChatGPT in medical writing. Additionally, the question of whether ChatGPT should be included as a co-author warrants further discussion.