Original Research
Monday, November 13, 2023
01:00 PM–02:30 PM
Abstract
Introduction: In higher education, ChatGPT is purported to enable plagiarism and promote academic dishonesty. In the setting of higher education in the health sciences, the use of ChatGPT is also alleged to inhibit development of critical thinking and communication skills. There is much published about faculty impressions of ChatGPT, but there is paucity of data available to represent student perspectives of ChatGPT.
Research Question or Hypothesis: What are student pharmacists’ impressions of using ChatGPT to answer clinical questions?
Study Design: A single-center, observational study.
Methods: Students enrolled in a Geriatrics Elective were assigned five cases about deprescribing, due prior to class. During class, the cases were discussed and then, as a group, we entered the same cases in ChatGPT version 3.5. After class, students completed a seven-question survey to assess their impressions of using ChatGPT to answer clinical questions. Survey questions were open-ended, with no limit on word count. This study was approved as exempt by the IRB, and participation was optional.
Results: Of 20 students, 17 (85%) agreed to complete the survey. Sixteen (94%) of 17 students had heard of ChatGPT, but only 1 had used it. After using ChatGPT in class, 5 (29%) students reported that they did not trust the information provided by ChatGPT and 12 (71%) students reported that they trusted the information “somewhat.” Eleven (65%) students would not recommend ChatGPT to geriatric patients, although 5 (29%) students did suggest that ChatGPT could be helpful for some patients. Sixteen (94%) students did not feel comfortable putting health protected information in ChatGPT, however 1 student stated that it was reasonable for a patient to enter their own health information if desired. Of note, ChatGPT provided correct answers on 3 of 5 deprescribing cases.
Conclusion: In all, student pharmacists are aware of ChatGPT but remain dubious about its applicability to practice.
Presenting Author
Katherine Vogel Anderson Pharm.D., BCACP, FCCPUniversity of Florida Colleges of Pharmacy and Medicine
Authors