Abstract
BACKGROUND: Since 2023, ChatGPT-4 has been impactful across several sectors including healthcare, where it aids in medical information analysis and education. Electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePROs) play a crucial role in monitoring cancer patients' post-treatment symptoms, enabling early interventions. However, managing the voluminous ePRO data presents significant challenges. This study assesses the feasibility of utilizing ChatGPT-4 for analyzing side effect data from ePROs. METHODS: Thirty cancer patients were consecutively collected via a web-based ePRO platform, reporting side effects over 4 weeks. ChatGPT-4, simulating oncologists, dietitians, and nurses, analyzed this data and offered improvement suggestions, which were then reviewed by professionals in those fields. RESULTS: Two oncologists, two dieticians, and two nurses evaluated the AI's performance across roles with 540 reviews. ChatGPT-4 excelled in data accuracy and completeness and was noted for its empathy and support, enhancing communication and reducing caregiver stress. It was potentially effective as a dietician. DISCUSSION: This study offers preliminary insights into the feasibility of integrating AI tools like ChatGPT-4 into ePRO cancer care, highlighting its potential to reduce healthcare provider workload. Key directions for future research include enhancing AI's capabilities in cancer care knowledge validation, emotional support, improving doctor-patient communication, increasing patient health literacy, and minimizing errors in AI-driven clinical processes. As technology advances, AI holds promise for playing a more significant role in ePRO cancer care and supporting shared decision-making between clinicians and patients.