Postoperative Management of Tympanoplasty with ChatGPT-4.0.

Background

Tympanoplasty, essential for repairing tympanic membrane perforations, requires careful postoperative care for successful recovery. However, timely access to healthcare guidance can be challenging, especially in rural or underserved areas. ChatGPT-4, an artificial intelligence (AI) tool, offers a potential solution for continuous postoperative support and patient education. This study assesses the feasibility and effectiveness of using ChatGPT-4 as a supplementary information resource for tympanoplasty patients, focusing on its ability to provide accurate, precise, and relevant postoperative guidance in situations where access to healthcare professionals is limited.

Methods

Ten commonly asked postoperative questions related to tympanoplasty were posed to ChatGPT-4, including queries on infection signs, activity restrictions, and wound care. Ten medical professionals evaluated the responses based on accuracy, response time, clarity, and relevance.

Results

ChatGPT-4 provided responses that aligned well with current medical guidelines, achieving an accuracy rating between 80% and 100% across different questions. Response time was consistently fast, with 100% of responses delivered immediately. Clarity and relevance ratings were also high, with 90% or more responses rated as easy to understand and directly addressing patient concerns.

Conclusion

ChatGPT-4 shows considerable promise as an adjunctive tool in postoperative tympanoplasty care, offering timely, understandable information that supports patients following aftercare instructions. While not a replacement for professional medical advice, ChatGPT-4's capability to deliver accurate and relevant information enhances accessibility to postoperative guidance, particularly in remote or resourcelimited settings, underscoring AI's growing role in otolaryngology patient support.