The role of an artificial intelligence model in antiretroviral therapy counselling and advice for people living with HIV

Abstract

Objectives: People living with HIV may find personalized access to accurate information on antiretroviral therapy (ART) challenging given the stigma and costs potentially associated with attending physical consultations. Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots such as ChatGPT may help to lower barriers to accessing information addressing concerns around ART initiation. However, the safety and accuracy of the information provided remains to be studied.

Methods: We instructed ChatGPT to answer questions that people living with HIV frequently ask about ART, covering i) knowledge of and access to ART; ii) ART initiation, side effects, and adherence, and iii) general sexual health practices while receiving ART. We checked the accuracy of the advice against international HIV clinical practice guidelines.

Results: ChatGPT answered all questions accurately and comprehensively. It recognized potentially life-threatening scenarios such as abacavir hypersensitivity reaction and gave appropriate advice. However, in certain contexts, such as specific geographic locations or for pregnant individuals, the advice lacked specificity to an individual's unique circumstances and may be inadequate. Nevertheless, ChatGPT consistently re-directed the individual to seek help from a healthcare professional to obtain targeted advice.

Conclusions: ChatGPT may act as a useful adjunct in the process of ART counselling for people living with HIV. Improving access to information on and knowledge about ART may improve access and adherence to ART and outcomes for people living with HIV overall.

Keywords: ChatGPT; anti‐retroviral therapy; artificial intelligence; counselling; education; human immunodeficiency virus.