ChatGPT and surgeon teamwork to improve breast reconstruction consultations
Official title: ChatGPT & Surgeon Synergy: Redefining Breast Reconstruction Consultations for Enhanced Patient Engagement and Satisfaction
Run by Washington University School of Medicine · NCT06981208 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether ChatGPT-generated patient education materials help people preparing for breast reconstruction understand their options and feel more satisfied with their surgeon consultations.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 410 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Washington University School of Medicine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (St Louis, Missouri) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 3, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2028 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | November 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06981208 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (18+) who speak English and are scheduled for an initial preoperative breast reconstruction consultation after therapeutic or prophylactic mastectomy with a surgeon at Washington University School of Medicine.
✕Probably not a fit
People who do not speak English, are not obtaining care at Washington University, are attending a follow-up rather than an initial consultation, or who opt out of AI-generated materials may not experience benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
At Washington University, patients scheduled for an initial preoperative breast reconstruction consultation are randomized to receive either ChatGPT-generated patient education materials or the usual education. After their in-person consultation, patients complete a survey on their consultation experience and satisfaction, and participating surgeons complete a separate survey about accuracy and clinical utility of the ChatGPT materials. Surveys capture patient characteristics and organizational health literacy using the framework by Brega et al., along with study-specific outcome questions. The trial examines whether AI-generated education can enhance communication and consultation satisfaction without replacing surgeon counseling.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help patients better understand reconstruction options, feel more confident in decisions, and improve consultation satisfaction.
How similar studies have gone: Some prior digital decision aids and educational tools have improved patient knowledge and satisfaction, but using ChatGPT-style large language models for breast reconstruction patient education is novel and not yet well-established.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Patient Eligibility Criteria: * Scheduled for initial preoperative breast reconstruction consultation following therapeutic or prophylactic mastectomy with a surgeon at Washington University School of Medicine. * At least 18 years of age. * Can speak and understand English. Surgeon Eligibility Criteria: * Routinely performs breast reconstruction surgery at Washington University School of Medicine. * At least 18 years of age. * Can speak and understand English. * Surgeon must not be a resident or fellow at time of enrollment.
Where it's running
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Washington University School of Medicine
St Louis, Missouri, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Saif M Badran, M.D., Ph.D., FRCS — Washington University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Saif M Badran, M.D., Ph.D., FRCS
- Email: badran@wustl.edu
- Phone: 314-273-1434
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.