Evaluating ChatGPT’s Utility in Addressing Socioeconomic Disparities in Burn Patients: A Comparative Study With Google

Abstract

Patients from low-socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds face barriers to quality burn care, such as limited healthcare access and follow-up. Many turn to online resources like Google, which may provide overwhelming or irrelevant information. This study compares the accuracy, readability, and SES-relevance of burn care information from ChatGPT and Google to address these disparities. A standardized set of questions on immediate burn care, medical treatments, and long-term care was developed based on clinical guidelines. Responses from ChatGPT (v4.0) and the first Google search result were analyzed. Two medical students and 2 burn surgeons assessed accuracy using the Global Quality Score (GQS) on a scale of 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent). Readability was measured using the Flesch-Kincaid grade level, and SES relevance was determined by counting responses that included themes related to affordability and access to care. Accuracy, readability, and SES relevance were then compared using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test. ChatGPT provided higher-quality responses (GQS 4.35 ± 0.60) than Google (GQS 2.25 ± 1.10, P < .01). ChatGPT was unanimously preferred for half of the questions. Both platforms had reading grade levels of 8 and 9, but ChatGPT addressed SES issues in 74% of responses, compared to Google's 33%. ChatGPT outperformed Google in providing accurate, SES-relevant burn care information. Artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT may help reduce health information disparities for low-SES patients by offering tailored and user-friendly guidance. Future studies should validate these findings across other clinical topics and patient populations.

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