Can ChatGPT affect health literacy?

Abstract Background ChatGPT is a large language model based on artificial intelligence, which nowadays finds application in various fields, including medicine. Objectives To investigate the usefulness of ChatGPT related to health literacy and to highlight its potential limitations. Methods We searched PubMed/MEDLINE for published research and articles that reviewed ChatGPT in the context of health literacy, written in English over the past five years with free full text access. All original articles were screened. Results A total of 53 publications were found. Twenty-five publications met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Most of the works presented a positive opinion towards the use of ChatGPT. The authors of six articles believe that ChatGPT generates more readable papers, while four of them believe the opposite. In four articles authors found out possibility to simplify text. The negative sides relate to the possibly insufficient education of users, the accuracy of the information, potential bias, dependence on the outdated data, and the ethical problem of the real authors not being cited, and therefore not recognized for their work. Conclusions According to the conducted research, ChatGPT represents an opportunity to improve health literacy by generating accessible and comprehensible information about health. It has also been shown to improve the readability and accessibility of public education materials on selected health topics. Furthermore, while AI models like ChatGPT can serve as a reliable source of health information, they should be used as an addition to professional medical consultation, and not as a standalone advice service. Key messages • ChatGPT represents an opportunity to improve health literacy. • AI models like ChatGPT can serve as a reliable source of health information, but they should be used as an addition to professional medical consultation, and not as a standalone advice service.