How large language models can augment perioperative medicine: a daring discourse

Interest in natural language processing, specifically large language models, for clinical applications has exploded in a matter of several months since the introduction of ChatGPT. Large language models are powerful and impressive. It is important that we understand the strengths and limitations of this rapidly evolving technology so that we can brainstorm its future potential in perioperative medicine. In this daring discourse, we discuss the issues with these large language models and how we should proactively think about how to leverage these models into practice to improve patient care, rather than worry that it may take over clinical decision-making. We review three potential major areas in which it may be used to benefit perioperative medicine: (1) clinical decision support and surveillance tools, (2) improved aggregation and analysis of research data related to large retrospective studies and application in predictive modeling, and (3) optimized documentation for quality measurement, monitoring and billing compliance. These large language models are here to stay and, as perioperative providers, we can either adapt to this technology or be curtailed by those who learn to use it well.

Automated summary

Interest in natural language processing, specifically large language models, for clinical applications has soared following the introduction of ChatGPT. These models are powerful but have their limitations. This article discusses the potential of large language models in perioperative medicine and highlights three areas where they can be beneficial: clinical decision support, research data analysis, and optimized documentation. It emphasizes the need to understand and leverage this technology for patient care rather than fear it taking over clinical decision-making.