Using ChatGPT in Medical Research: Current Status and Future Directions

OBJECTIVE: This review aims to evaluate the current evidence on the use of the Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT) in medical research, including but not limited to treatment, diagnosis, or medication provision. METHODS: This review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We searched Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, and Medline to identify studies published between 2022 and 2023 that aimed to utilize ChatGPT in medical research. All identified references were stored in EndNote. RESULTS: We initially identified 114 articles, out of which six studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria for full-text screening. Among the six studies, two focused on drug development (33.33%), two on literature review writing (33.33%), and one each on medical report improvement, provision of medical information, improving research conduct, data analysis, and personalized medicine (16.67% each). CONCLUSION: ChatGPT has the potential to revolutionize medical research in various ways. However, its accuracy, originality, academic integrity, and ethical issues must be thoroughly discussed and improved before its widespread implementation in clinical research and medical practice.