Adoption of AI-Powered Chatbots with Large Language Models by Pathologists

Aims: The study aimed to investigate the adoption and perception of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, particularly those powered by large language models (LLMs), among pathologists worldwide. It explored the extent of their engagement with these technologies, identifying potential impacts on their professional practices. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted, gathering data from pathologists on their usage and views concerning AI chatbots powered by LLMs. The survey, distributed globally via various digital platforms, included both quantitative and qualitative questions. Statistical analyses were performed to delineate patterns in the adoption and perspectives on these AI tools among the respondents. Results: Of 215 respondents, 100 (46.5%) reported using LLMs, particularly ChatGPT, for professional purposes, predominantly for information retrieval, proofreading, and academic writing, highlighting a significant time-saving benefit. The adoption varied across demographics, with younger, male pathologists showing higher usage rates. While the technology was mainly utilized for drafting academic materials and programming tasks, users expressed concerns about information accuracy, privacy, and the need for regulatory approval. Despite recognizing occasional inaccuracies, respondents saw potential in advanced AI features, particularly in image analysis and speech-to-text functions. Conclusions: The survey underscored pathologists' cautious yet growing interest in leveraging LLMs to enhance information accessibility, efficiency, and medical education. While the potential benefits are recognized, significant apprehensions about the reliability, ethics, and security associated with these AI tools underscore the need for comprehensive regulation and standardized practices to ensure their responsible use in the medical field. ### 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: This study received ethical approval from the human research ethics committee of Thammasat University (Medicine), with the approval number being 66/2024. 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.