Utilizing Large Language Models to Simplify Radiology Reports: a comparative analysis of ChatGPT-3.5, ChatGPT-4.0, Google Bard, and Microsoft Bing

This paper investigates the application of Large Language Models (LLMs), specifically OpenAI's ChatGPT-3.5, ChatGPT-4.0, Google Bard, and Microsoft Bing, in simplifying radiology reports, thus potentially enhancing patient understanding. We examined 254 anonymized radiology reports from diverse examination types and used three different prompts to guide the LLMs' simplification processes. The resulting simplified reports were evaluated using four established readability indices. All LLMs significantly simplified the reports, but performance varied based on the prompt used and the specific model. The ChatGPT models performed best when additional context was provided (i.e., specifying user as a patient or requesting simplification at the 7th grade level). Our findings suggest that LLMs can effectively simplify radiology reports, although improvements are needed to ensure accurate clinical representation and optimal readability. These models have the potential to improve patient health literacy, patient-provider communication, and ultimately, health outcomes. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. ### Funding Statement This study did not receive any funding. ### Author Declarations I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained. Yes The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below: Publically available dataset: MIMIC-III I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals. Yes I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance). Yes I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable. Yes All data produced in the present study are available upon reasonable request to the authors.