Enhancing clinical decision-making: Optimizing ChatGPT's performance in hypertension care

Artificial intelligence (AI), especially conversational models like ChatGPT developed by OpenAI, has significantly impacted fields globally, including healthcare.¹ ChatGPT, capable of mimicking human conversation based on vast training data and sophisticated natural language processing, has been featured in 2349 PubMed publications as of February 8, 2024, highlighting its growing relevance in medical research and practice.² Its application in healthcare promises to revolutionize patient care, offering personalized health monitoring and recommendations.^{2, 3}

Hypertension, a major risk factor for cardiovascular and chronic kidney diseases,⁴ necessitates comprehensive management strategies.⁵ Traditional approaches rely on clinical guidelines, physician expertise, and patient outcomes, challenging for nonspecialists.⁶ AI, particularly through ChatGPT, introduces a new dimension to clinical decision-making.⁷ Studies have demonstrated ChatGPT's efficacy in providing relevant advice for cardiovascular disease prevention and hypertension management,^8-10 indicating its potential to improve clinical outcomes.

This perspective review explores the potential enhancements and optimizations that ChatGPT could contribute to hypertension management, taking into account its existing capabilities and future possibilities.

ChatGPT can quickly process vast information, including medical guidelines and patient data, helping healthcare providers improve diagnostic accuracy, tailor treatments, and enhance patient outcomes.¹¹ This represents a move towards digital health, with AI like ChatGPT elevating care standards through insightful support (Figure 1).

To optimize ChatGPT's performance on hypertension care from a user's perspective, the following strategies can be considered (Figure 1).

Current ChatGPT utilization in hypertension management faces challenges including the reliance on outdated information, lack of personalization in treatment recommendations, absence of clinical judgment, and inadequate communication skills for patient interactions. These limitations necessitate careful consideration and mitigation strategies. When using ChatGPT in clinical settings, prioritizing ethical and privacy considerations is crucial for safeguarding patient confidentiality and data security. It is imperative to refrain from disclosing sensitive information and to comply strictly with regulatory standards governing AI utilization in healthcare decision-making.

To effectively use ChatGPT in hypertension management, a comprehensive strategy encompassing patient education, engagement, clinical support, and data analysis is crucial. Customizing interactions to meet individual patient needs, integrating with existing healthcare frameworks, and prioritizing privacy and security can significantly improve hypertension care, leading to enhanced patient outcomes and more streamlined healthcare services. Staying updated on AI advancements and exploring their incorporation into clinical practice can further optimize patient care. A collaborative effort among technology developers, healthcare professionals, and patients is essential to tailor ChatGPT to meet the needs of all stakeholders.

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.