Evaluation of ChatGPT Responses About Sexual Activity After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Comparative Study with Observers of Different Experience Levels

Background/Objectives: Despite the rising tendency to depend on ChatGPT for medical counselling, it is imperative to evaluate ChatGPT’s capacity to address sensitive subjects that patients often hesitate to discuss with their physicians. The objective of this study was to evaluate the recommendations provided by ChatGPT for sexual activity subsequent to total hip arthroplasty (THA) by orthopaedic surgeons with varying degrees of experience, as well as using standardized scoring systems. Methods: Four patient scenarios were developed, reflecting different ages and indications for THA. Twenty-four questions were asked to ChatGPT 4.0, and responses were evaluated by three different orthopaedic surgeons. All responses were also scored using defined standardized scales. Results: No response was found to be ‘faulty’ or ‘partial’ by any of the observers. While the lowest mean score was attributed by the orthopaedic surgeon with less than five years of experience, the highest mean score was attributed by the orthopaedic surgeon with more than 15 years of experience but not actively working in the field of arthroplasty. An analysis of the data across scenarios revealed that in general, the scores decreased in the more specialized scenarios (p > 0.05). Conclusions: ChatGPT shows potential as a supplementary resource for addressing sensitive postoperative questions such as sexual activity after THA. However, its limitations in providing nuanced, patient-specific recommendations highlight the need for further refinement. While ChatGPT can support general patient education, expert clinical guidance remains essential for addressing complex or individualized concerns.