ChatGPT and surgeon teamwork to improve breast reconstruction consultations
ChatGPT & Surgeon Synergy: Redefining Breast Reconstruction Consultations for Enhanced Patient Engagement and Satisfaction
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 410 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Washington University School of Medicine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (St Louis, Missouri) |
| Trial ID | NCT06981208 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
St Louis, Missouri
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.