An artificial intelligence chatbot as a substitute for physician-patient counselling on perioperative anaesthesia in knee-related surgeries

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of Bard AI to provide patients with accurate and comprehensive information about spinal and general anaesthesia for knee-related surgeries, while also emphasizing the importance of physician oversight in interpreting AI-generated content.Methods: Bard AI was asked to generate responses to questions on spinal and general anaesthesia and evaluated their accuracy based on current guidelines and physician experience. The questions were designed to emulate a real conversation. Two authors evaluated the responses for accuracy and comprehensiveness at the patient level.Results: Some of the answers include a note emphasizing that the approach to each patient may differ. Generally, no major errors or misdirection were observed but specific questions, such as those on migraine, received answers deemed incomplete.Conclusion: Bard Google AI can be utilized as a complementary tool in doctor-patient consultations for preoperative education. However, the role of doctors remains indispensable, and it is important for patients to consult their doctors to have their questions addressed and alleviate their concerns.