Using AI to Help Older Adults Understand Lab Test Results
Author Information
Author(s): He Zhe, Bhasuran Balu, Jin Qiao, Tian Shubo, Hanna Karim, Lu Zhiyong
Primary Institution: Florida State University
Hypothesis
Older adults face challenges in understanding lab test results, and generative AI can assist in improving comprehension.
Conclusion
Older adults generally perform better in understanding lab test results but still prefer explanations from their doctors.
Supporting Evidence
- Younger adults and those who never used patient portals had lower comprehension scores.
- Older adults prefer explanations from doctors for lab results.
- GPT-4 outperformed other models in evaluating lab results-related questions.
Takeaway
This study found that older adults often struggle to understand their lab results, but they do better than younger adults, and they want their doctors to explain things to them.
Methodology
An online survey was conducted with 276 patients, followed by evaluations of generative AI responses to lab-related questions.
Limitations
LLM responses sometimes included incorrect statements.
Participant Demographics
Participants included older adults and younger adults with chronic conditions.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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