AI Ushers in a New Era of Patient-Friendly Health information: Study Reveals Dramatic Readability Improvements
New York, NY – April 30, 2024 – A groundbreaking study from NYU Langone Health demonstrates the powerful potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to dramatically improve the clarity and accessibility of online patient education materials (PEMs). The research, published April 10th in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, reveals that readily available AI tools can substantially lower the reading level of complex health information, empowering patients to make more informed decisions about their care.
For years, healthcare professionals have recognized a critical gap: vital patient education materials, often created by experts, are frequently written at a level exceeding the average patientS comprehension. This disconnect can lead to confusion, anxiety, and ultimately, poorer health outcomes. The study focused on materials from three leading health organizations – the American Heart Association (AHA), American Cancer Society (ACS), and American Stroke association (ASA) – all recognized authorities in their respective fields. Researchers found that these resources consistently surpassed the recommended 6th-grade reading level, with average scores of 10.7 (AHA), 10 (ACS), and 9.6 (ASA).
“We know that understanding health information is essential to patient empowerment,” explains Dr.Jonah Feldman,MD,senior author of the study and Medical Director of Transformation and Informatics at NYU Langone. “But even expertly crafted materials can unintentionally create barriers to understanding. Our research shows that AI offers a scalable solution to bridge this gap.”
How AI is Simplifying Complex Medical Information
The study evaluated three prominent Large Language Models (LLMs) – ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude – known for their ability to process and generate human-quality text. These AI tools leverage vast datasets and sophisticated algorithms to “predict” the next word in a sentence, allowing them to rewrite content in simpler, more accessible language. Researchers tasked the LLMs with optimizing the readability of 60 randomly selected PEMs from the AHA, ACS, and ASA websites, while maintaining factual accuracy.
The results where compelling. All three LLMs demonstrably improved readability scores:
ChatGPT: Reduced average reading level to 7.6
gemini: Reduced average reading level to 6.6
Claude: Reduced average reading level to 5.6
Beyond simply lowering the reading level, the AI tools also significantly reduced word counts, resulting in more concise and digestible materials. This streamlining is crucial for patients facing information overload and those with limited time.
Beyond Readability: A Broader impact on Patient Experience
This study isn’t an isolated finding. NYU Langone Health is actively exploring and implementing AI solutions across various aspects of patient care. Previous research from the team has demonstrated AI’s ability to:
Explain complex heart test results in patient-friendly terms.
Draft thoughtful and informative responses to patient inquiries submitted electronically.
Generate concise summaries of lengthy and frequently enough intimidating medical reports.
“The potential of AI to transform the patient experience is immense,” says Dr.Paul Testa, MD, JD, MPH, Chief Health Informatics Officer at NYU Langone. “we’re moving beyond theoretical applications and actively integrating these tools into our clinical workflows, with the goal of improving communication and fostering a more patient-centered healthcare system – not just within the United States, but globally.”
Real-World Implementation and Rigorous Testing
NYU Langone is currently conducting a randomized controlled trial to assess the impact of AI-generated, patient-friendly summaries of hospital discharge instructions. This trial aims to determine whether clearer, more accessible instructions lead to improved patient comprehension, increased satisfaction, and ultimately, better post-discharge care and smoother transitions home.
“Generating real-world evidence through rigorous clinical trials is paramount,” emphasizes Dr. Jonah Zaretsky, MD, Associate Chief of Medicine at NYU Langone Hospital – Brooklyn. “We need to ensure that AI-generated documentation is not only accurate but demonstrably beneficial for patients and their families.”
The Future of Patient Education is Here
This research underscores a pivotal shift in healthcare communication. By leveraging the power of AI, healthcare organizations can proactively address health literacy challenges and empower patients to actively participate in their own care. The study, self-funded by NYU Langone, involved a dedicated team including lead author John Will, and co-authors Mahin Gupta and Aliesha Dowlath, highlighting the institution’s commitment to innovation in patient-centered care.
Key Takeaways:
AI significantly improves the readability of patient education materials.
Lowering reading levels empowers patients to make informed healthcare decisions.
NYU Langone is leading the way in implementing AI solutions to enhance the patient experience.
Rigorous clinical trials are underway to validate the effectiveness of AI-driven communication tools.
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