Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the potential of large language models (LLMs) in health education for patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS)/spondyloarthritis (SpA), focusing on the accuracy of information transmission, patient acceptance and performance differences between different models. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, single-blind study. SETTING: Multiple centres in China. PARTICIPANTS: 182 volunteers, including 4 rheumatologists and 178 patients with AS/SpA. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Scientificity, precision and accessibility of the content of the answers provided by LLMs; patient acceptance of the answers. RESULTS: LLMs performed well in terms of scientificity, precision and accessibility, with ChatGPT-4o and Kimi models outperforming traditional guidelines. Most patients with AS/SpA showed a higher level of understanding and acceptance of the responses from LLMs. CONCLUSIONS: LLMs have significant potential in medical knowledge transmission and patient education, making them promising tools for future medical practice.