Paradigm Shift in Online Health Information Search in the Era of Generative AI? – A Bibliometric Literature Survey and Sentiment Analysis

This study examined a potential paradigm shift in online health information search in the era of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI). We systematically searched relevant literature, selected eligible studies using preset inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted and analyzed data. A total of 86 studies were included and examined across four research questions. We identified a growing global interest in understanding and utilizing GenAI in health sciences, compared with traditional search engines (e.g., Google, Bing) and resources (e.g., human expert resources, clinical guidelines, organizational websites, and medical databases). This bibliometric survey highlights a generally positive sentiment regarding the integration of GenAI tools, such as ChatGPT, into healthcare information search, services, and research. Future research shall continue monitoring the dynamic and evolving landscape, exploring the opportunities and challenges of utilizing GenAI tools and features to ensure responsible applications and meet the information needs of all users.