Journal Article DKFZ-2025-03034

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Attitudes Towards Large Language Model-based AI Systems as an Information Source for Shared Decision Making in Radiation Oncology.

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2026
Oxford University Press Oxford

The oncologist 31(2), oyaf414 () [10.1093/oncolo/oyaf414]
 GO

Abstract: Implementing structured shared decision making (SDM) requires high-quality, reliable patient information. In radiation oncology, patients often have limited knowledge and misconceptions about therapy and side effects, affecting their decision-making. Large Language Model-based AI systems (LLMs) may help by providing evidence-based information in accessible language, but successful implementation depends on the willingness of patients and health care professionals (HCPs) to adopt these technologies.A survey was conducted among patients undergoing radiation therapy and HCPs between 03/2024-02/2025. Data was collected using structured electronic questionnaires (32 items for patients, 35 for HCPs). The survey assessed sociodemographic characteristics, the status of SDM in oncology, sources of information relevant to SDM, and current and anticipated LLM applications. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis.The internet was the prime information source for patients (n = 400). Regarding current use of LLMs, a large discrepancy between patients and HCPs (n = 200) was observed (18.2% vs. 69.5%). Although 77% of HCPs believed that patients will rely on LLMs in the future, only 29.1% of patients agreed. Most patients (65.8%) stated that even as LLMs improve, they will continue to trust physicians more; 46% of HCPs shared this view. Only 16.5% of patients were convinced that LLMs provide all relevant data for SDM in cancer care. Familiarity with technology was the strongest predictor of LLM use among patients.Only a minority of radiation oncology patients currently use LLMs, and many remain skeptical about their future role-contrasting with the more optimistic expectations of HCPs.

Keyword(s): ChatGPT ; Large Language Models (LLMs) ; artificial intelligence (AI) ; cancer care ; radiotherapy ; shared decision making (SDM)

Classification:

Note: 2026 Jan 17;31(2):oyaf414

Contributing Institute(s):
  1. DKTK Koordinierungsstelle München (MU01)
Research Program(s):
  1. 899 - ohne Topic (POF4-899) (POF4-899)

Appears in the scientific report 2025
Database coverage:
Medline ; DOAJ ; Article Processing Charges ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Clinical Medicine ; DOAJ Seal ; Essential Science Indicators ; Fees ; IF >= 5 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection
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 Record created 2025-12-30, last modified 2026-01-26



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