Dr (Prof.) Raju Vaishya, Senior Consultant, Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi mentions that one of the primary advantages of using AI chatbots for orthopaedic exam preparation is their accessibility and availability
The field of orthopaedics is constantly evolving, with new techniques, technologies, and research findings emerging regularly. Keeping up with this ever-growing body of knowledge can be a daunting task, especially for medical students and residents preparing for crucial examinations. However, the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and chatbot technology has opened up new avenues for enhancing the learning experience and streamlining exam preparation. AI chatbots are computer programs designed to simulate human-like conversations. They leverage natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning algorithms to understand and respond to user queries in a conversational manner. These chatbots can be trained on vast amounts of data, including textbooks, research papers, and clinical guidelines, making them invaluable resources for exam preparation.
In a recently published research article in International Orthopaedics, led by Prof. (Dr) Raju Vaishya of Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, along with the other co-authors of Europe, examined the effectiveness of AI-powered Chatbots in responding to orthopaedic postgraduate (PG) exam questions. They compared the responses of three Chatbots on a series of 120 mock Single Best Answer Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). Their results demonstrated that there is a variable potential of the different AI generative chatbots (Chat GPT 3.5, Chat GPT 4.0 and Bard Google) in their ability to answer the MCQ of PG-level orthopaedic qualifying examinations. Bard Google AI has shown superior performance than both ChatGPT versions, underlining the potential of such large language processing models in processing and applying orthopaedic subspecialty knowledge at a PG level.
One of the primary advantages of using AI chatbots for orthopaedic exam preparation is their accessibility and availability. Unlike human tutors or study groups, chatbots are available 24/7, allowing students to access information and clarify doubts at any time, from anywhere. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for those with busy schedules or those studying in remote locations. Furthermore, AI chatbots can provide personalised learning experiences by adapting to individual learning styles and knowledge levels. By analysing a student’s responses and queries, the chatbot can identify areas of strength and weakness, and tailor its responses accordingly. This personalised approach can greatly enhance the learning process, ensuring that students focus on the topics they need to improve upon.
Another coauthor, Dr Abhishek Vaish of Indraprastha Apollo hospitals, New Delhi said that there is a significant advantage of AI chatbots is their ability to simulate real-world scenarios and case studies. By presenting students with hypothetical patient cases, chatbots can test their diagnostic and treatment decision-making skills, mimicking the challenges they may encounter in clinical practice. This hands-on experience can be invaluable in preparing for practical exams and cultivating critical thinking skills.
Prof. KP Iyengar (Southport, UK) opined that AI chatbots can facilitate collaborative learning by enabling group discussions and knowledge sharing. Students can interact with the chatbot collectively, ask questions, and receive feedback, fostering an interactive and engaging learning environment. This collective learning approach can enhance knowledge retention and promote a deeper understanding of complex orthopaedic concepts.
A word of caution came from Prof. MM Scarlat (France), the senior coauthor of this study, that “despite the numerous benefits of AI chatbots, it is crucial to recognise that they are not a substitute for human instructors or clinical experience. While chatbots can provide valuable supplementary resources and support, they should be used in conjunction with traditional learning methods, such as attending lectures, participating in clinical rotations, and engaging with experienced mentors”.
As the field of AI continues to advance, the potential applications of chatbots in medical education are likely to expand. Researchers and educators are exploring ways to integrate chatbots into virtual reality simulations, gamification techniques, and adaptive learning platforms, further enhancing the educational experience. According to the lead author. Dr (Prof.) Raju Vaishya– “integration of AI chatbots into orthopaedic exam preparation offers a promising avenue for next-generation learning. By leveraging the power of AI and NLP, these chatbots can provide personalized, accessible, and interactive learning experiences, ultimately better equipping students for the challenges of their future careers in orthopaedics”.
Reference:
Vaishya R, Iyengar KP, Patralekh MK, Botchu R, Shirodkar K, Jain VK, Vaish A, Scarlat MM. Effectiveness of AI-powered Chatbots in responding to orthopaedic postgraduate exam questions-an observational study. Int Orthop. 2024 Apr 15. doi: 10.1007/s00264-024-06182-9