The Impact of Google Search versus ChatGPT on Patient Understanding and Potential Adherence in PICC Line Care: A Comparative Analysis

Fang Yang,1 Jun Ma,1 Manman Liu,1 Zhuang Du2 1Department of Hematology, The Sixth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of the First Operating Room, Central Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Fang Yang, Department of Hematology, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, No. 6, Fucheng Road, Beijing, People’s Republic of China, Tel/Fax +861066958322, Email [email protected] Zhuang Du, Department of the First Operating Room, Central Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, No. 826, Xinan Road, Dalian, People’s Republic of China, Tel/Fax +8641184412001, Email [email protected]: To compare the quality and comprehensiveness of information on peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) provided by Google and the artificial intelligence (AI) tool ChatGPT, and to identify the implications for patient understanding, informed decision-making, and potential adherence in oncology care.Methods: In a simulated study, the top 20 PICC-related frequently asked questions (FAQs) were identified via a standardized Google search. These questions were posed to both platforms, and the responses were systematically analyzed and compared for source, type, and content.Results: Google’s answers were fragmented and sourced mainly from government websites (45%). In contrast, ChatGPT provided comprehensive, synthesized responses, primarily from academic sources (70%), as inferred from the content, given its lack of explicit source attribution. Critically, significant discrepancies in key clinical information were found. For instance, Google’s top answer for PICC longevity was “two to six weeks”, while ChatGPT suggested “up to six months or more”, creating a high potential for patient confusion and undermining trust in prescribed care plans.Conclusion: ChatGPT has the potential to offer more integrated health information than traditional search engines, thereby influencing how patients access knowledge. However, the presence of conflicting and decontextualized information introduces significant risks, such as patient confusion and anxiety, which can negatively impact trust, shared decision-making, and adherence to medical advice.Keywords: peripherally inserted central catheter, ChatGPT, google, patient preference, adherence, shared decision-making