INTRODUCTION: The advent of artificial intelligence–powered large language models capable of generating interactive responses to intricate queries marks a groundbreaking development in how patients access medical information. Our aim was to evaluate the appropriateness and readability of gastroenterological information generated by Chat Generative Pretrained Transformer (ChatGPT). METHODS: We analyzed responses generated by ChatGPT to 16 dialog-based queries assessing symptoms and treatments for gastrointestinal conditions and 13 definition-based queries on prevalent topics in gastroenterology. Three board-certified gastroenterologists evaluated output appropriateness with a 5-point Likert-scale proxy measurement of currency, relevance, accuracy, comprehensiveness, clarity, and urgency/next steps. Outputs with a score of 4 or 5 in all 6 categories were designated as “appropriate.” Output readability was assessed with Flesch Reading Ease score, Flesch-Kinkaid Reading Level, and Simple Measure of Gobbledygook scores. RESULTS: ChatGPT responses to 44% of the 16 dialog-based and 69% of the 13 definition-based questions were deemed appropriate, and the proportion of appropriate responses within the 2 groups of questions was not significantly different (P = 0.17). Notably, none of ChatGPT’s responses to questions related to gastrointestinal emergencies were designated appropriate. The mean readability scores showed that outputs were written at a college-level reading proficiency. DISCUSSION: ChatGPT can produce generally fitting responses to gastroenterological medical queries, but responses were constrained in appropriateness and readability, which limits the current utility of this large language model. Substantial development is essential before these models can be unequivocally endorsed as reliable sources of medical information.

Infections by multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) pose significant public health challenges, including increased mortality rates, healthcare costs, and significant impacts on the quality of life for patients. Utilizing a systematic review methodology adhering to PRISMA guidelines, we performed a comprehensive search across three databases, identifying 20 relevant studies that investigated the psychological effects of infections due to MDROs on hospitalized adults. The primary outcomes examined included depression, anxiety, and other psychosocial impacts, while secondary outcomes included patient and caregiver understanding of the infection. Findings revealed consistent associations between contact isolation due to MDRO infections and heightened levels of depression and anxiety among patients, although evidence regarding the impact on anger was mixed. Other psychological aspects, such as feelings of stigmatization and reduced healthcare provider interactions, were also recorded. The current systematic review highlights the importance of addressing these psychological effects through holistic, patient-centered care approaches, emphasizing the need for better communication and comprehensive education for both patients and healthcare providers. Our findings suggest that mitigating the psychological burden of MDROs can enhance overall patient care and outcomes and call for further research to optimize care strategies for patients hospitalized for infections due to MDROs.

Infective endocarditis (IE) is an uncommon but life-threatening condition characterized by infection and inflammation of the endocardial surface of the heart, most commonly affecting native or prosthetic valves. Recent data indicate in-hospital mortality rates ranging from 15% to 25%, with evidence of increasing mortality even in high-income countries. Beyond its fatal potential, IE poses a major public health burden, accounting for over 1.7 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) globally in 2019. This review aims to discuss recent advancements in the diagnosis and management of IE given the shifting epidemiology and pathogen profile of the disease. There is a rising incidence of healthcare-associated IE and an expanding population of vulnerable patients, including the elderly and those with prosthetic material or indwelling catheters. Diagnostic capabilities have rapidly advanced with the adoption of modalities such as 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT), cardiac CT, and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), particularly in patients with prosthetic valve endocarditis or culture-negative presentations. Additionally, the expanding indications for surgical intervention and increasing antimicrobial resistance have added complexity to management decisions. These developments underscore the need for a comprehensive review to support healthcare providers in navigating the modern diagnostic and therapeutic landscape of IE.