ChatGPT: An online cross-sectional descriptive survey comparing perceptions of healthcare workers to those of other professionals

Background: Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT) is an artificial intelligence tool that interacts using natural human language. Its recent launch has generated immense interest and utilization. Objectives: Our primary aim was to document the early perceptions regarding ChatGPT and its potential impact on the lives of healthcare professionals. Our secondary aim was to compare the perceptions of healthcare professionals regarding ChatGPT with those of non-healthcare professionals. Materials and Methods: The survey questions were decided by all authors in consultation. Between February 6, 2023, and February 17, 2023, we conducted an anonymous survey using Google Forms. The survey comprised nine multiple-choice questions, related to perceptions about ChatGPT. The respondents were divided into two groups based on their profession (healthcare versus others). The survey results were analyzed using ChatGPT. Results: There were 210 participants; 157 (74.8%) were healthcare professionals, and 53 (25.2%) were from other fields. Less than half the respondents (n = 89, 42.4%) reported that they had already asked ChatGPT a question. Significantly fewer healthcare professionals (n = 63, 40.1%) than non-healthcare professionals (n = 25, 47.2%) had used ChatGPT; P = 0.01. Majority of respondents (161/210; 76.6%) expected ChatGPT to have less than 50% impact on them in the year 2023. However, significantly more healthcare professionals (n = 122, 77.7%) than non-healthcare professionals (n = 39, 73.6%) thought that the change would be less than 50%; P = 0.049. More healthcare professionals expected ChatGPT to positively impact their careers (n = 82, 52.2% versus n = 20, 37.7%; P < 0.001). More respondents from the healthcare sector (n = 32, 20.4%) planned to make changes in their career as a result of ChatGPT than respondents from other professions (n = 6, 11.3%); P = 0.008. Additionally, more healthcare professionals considered that the effect on the future of civilization and the human race (as predicted by Stephen Hawking) would be favorable (n = 113, 72%) as compared to non-healthcare professionals (n = 36, 67.9%); P = 0.019. Conclusions: Although fewer healthcare professionals have accessed and used ChatGPT than non-healthcare professionals,healthcare professionals' perception of ChatGPT is predominantly positive. Regardless of our professions, all of us will need to reinvent ourselves in the new era of artificial intelligence and chatbots.