Introduction Ensuring that patients are well-informed in making health decisions has become increasingly pressing, particularly in light of resource constraints faced by the NHS. The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing technologies, such as ChatGPT, offers potential solutions for delivering accessible patient information. This study explores the application of ChatGPT as a patient information tool, focusing on patients undergoing Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) in the UK. Methods To evaluate the effectiveness of ChatGPT in providing patient information, the authors devised three common patient queries related to FESS. These questions were presented to both ChatGPT and three authors (including validation by a supervising Consultant) to generate a 150-word response. 20 qualified clinicians were blinded to responses and subsequently completed a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire to evaluate each response. Results When comparing mean scores between author and ChatGPT responses, it was found that there was no statistically significant difference for Accuracy, Completeness, Clarity or Appropriateness in any of the 1-3 questions asked. When explaining FESS, ChatGPT responses scored ≥50% on accuracy, clarity and appropriateness. ChatGPT responses scored lower in all areas when asked to described the alternatives to surgery. When explaining the risks of surgery, ChatGPTs responses scored higher on average. Conclusions This study establishes a foundational assessment of ChatGPT’s potential utility as a source of patient information within UK ENT departments. Notably, the study finds no significant disparities in the evaluations of accuracy, completeness, clarity, and appropriateness between ChatGPT-generated responses and those crafted by medical experts.

Background & Aim The COVID-19 pandemic led to interesting challenges, when delivering outpatient care during the national lockdown. This was especially pertinent in Otolaryngology, which is not only very heavily outpatient based but also very highly procedural focused. It also presented difficulties for patients shielding due to being deemed high risk. Following advice given by both the NHS and ENT UK, all routine clinics were cancelled and telephone consultations introduced to maintain an ENT service for patients. This study looks at the impact of telephone clinics in a district general hospital on patient outcomes and what benefits can be gained from this method of service delivery. Study Design A retrospective study was undertaken examining telephone clinic consultations of newly referred patients over seven days during a nationwide lockdown. This included all adult and paediatric patients referred routinely. Follow-up patients and 2 week wait referrals were excluded. Higher risk patients were identified using guidelines listed by the NHS and the hospital electronic patient database was used to collect patient information. Clinic outcomes were collected and collated on Microsoft Excel. Patients were followed up to 8 months. Results Data was collected from 104 patients. The age ranged from 1 to 91; with 74 patients being seen by consultants, 18 by registrars and 12 by associate specialists. Outcomes of these consultations showed that 17 patients were discharged, 15 had outpatient imaging requested, 11 referred to another specialty, 11 had further telephone clinic follow up, 31 were given patient initiated follow up and 19 were brought back for face-to-face appointments. Overall, 57% of patients avoided a hospital visit and only 17% needed a face-to-face appointment. Of the patients who were higher risk, 49% were managed remotely. After 8 months there was no significant morbidity or mortality. Conclusions Almost half of all higher risk patients avoided coming in to hospital. The majority of patients were managed remotely and thus reduced the risk and spread of infection to patients and staff. This shows that telemedicine has been a significantly useful mode of service delivery during the pandemic and has further scope in routine ENT outpatient care.