Enhancing Complex Wound Care by Leveraging Artificial Intelligence: An Artificial Intelligence Chatbot Software Study

AI is changing many aspects of health care delivery, offering innovative solutions to improve patient outcomes and streamline processes. In the realm of complex wound care, where effective diagnosis and treatment are critical, AI demonstrates immense potential. The potential for AI to guide clinical decision-making is endless. Current applications represent a range of AI technologies from diagnostic tools to predictive analytics platforms.¹ The Table highlights the diverse ways AI is being applied to enhance medical practice and improve patient care.

One specific application gaining traction is the utilization of ChatGPT (Open AI), an advanced proprietary AI chatbot model that leverages natural language processing and machine learning capabilities launched in November 2022. By utilizing the AI chatbot, health care providers can access real-time wound care knowledge and personalized recommendations. This article explores the application of an AI chatbot in complex wound care and delves into its potential benefits, showcasing its possible role in the management of complex wounds.

To evaluate the efficacy of an AI chatbot in complex wound care, a study was conducted at the authors’ advanced wound care clinic at Loma Linda University. The sample comprised 80 patients presenting with complex wounds of varying etiologies and characteristics. Each patient underwent a comprehensive evaluation by a wound care provider who established a diagnosis and treatment plan based on their clinical expertise. Subsequently, the AI chatbot software was introduced as a complementary tool to provide personalized treatment and lifestyle recommendations. Providers interacted with the AI chatbot through a natural language interface, providing patient information, wound characteristics, and medical history (eg, comorbidities, tobacco use, history of radiation, vascular status, timeline of wound, and previous treatment modalities). The system utilized machine learning algorithms to generate tailored recommendations based on the patient’s specific needs.

The results demonstrated the potential of an AI chatbot software in complex wound care. The software accurately identified the most appropriate treatment plan for the majority of patients in the sample, exhibiting a correlation of over 90% with the initial assessment by the wound care provider. These findings highlight the ability of the AI chatbot software to offer valuable insights and recommendations that align with expert clinical judgment. The system’s integration into the wound care process was well-received per anecdotal feedback, with providers reporting high levels of satisfaction on an acceptance Likert scale. More than 87% of providers found the recommendations provided by the AI software to be helpful and additive in managing their patients with complex wounds. Additionally, providers acknowledged that the whole-person care recommendations augmented their care approach, emphasizing the potential of the AI software in enhancing patient-centered wound management.

Complex wounds pose unique challenges, often resulting from factors such as underlying medical conditions, poor vascular supply, or chronicity.² Traditional wound care approaches require extensive expertise and experience to navigate the complexities of wound assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.³ With the advent of an AI chatbot program, the field of wound care can potentially benefit from AI-driven advancements. This particular chatbot is trained on vast amounts of data and has the ability to analyze patient information, propose treatment options, and provide whole-person care recommendations, augmenting the expertise of wound care providers per the available data online.

The integration of AI chatbot software in complex wound care marks a notable advancement in AI-driven health care solutions. This technology enables wound care providers to access real-time knowledge, augment their decision-making, and enhance patient outcomes. By leveraging an AI software, providers can access a vast knowledge base, ensuring accurate diagnoses and treatment recommendations tailored to each patient’s unique needs. The success of the studied chatbot software in accurately identifying appropriate treatment plans showcases its potential to alleviate the challenges associated with complex wound management. 

However, several factors need consideration for the successful integration of this chatbot software and similar AI systems into clinical practice. First, ensuring the privacy and security of patient data are crucial. Health care organizations must implement robust protocols to protect patient information while leveraging AI capabilities effectively. Additionally, ongoing training and education are essential for providers to familiarize themselves with AI technology and its potential applications in wound care. This includes understanding the limitations and caveats of AI-based recommendations and utilizing them as a tool to support—rather than replace—clinical expertise.

With AI chatbots, including the software used in this study, it is necessary to note that its software is limited by the information it has within its history plus the information it is given in a particular scenario.

Future research should focus on expanding the application of AI chatbot software in complex wound care, exploring its integration with other technologies such as electronic health records, and conducting rigorous clinical trials to validate its efficacy and impact on patient outcomes. Furthermore, cost-effectiveness analyses and feasibility studies are necessary to ensure the practicality and sustainability of AI implementation in diverse health care settings.

AI, particularly the AI chatbot software, holds immense promise in revolutionizing complex wound care. By combining the power of AI with the expertise of wound care providers, AI chatbot software offers potential solutions to challenges associated with accurate wound assessment, diagnosis, and treatment plans. The study findings highlight the accuracy and clinical relevance of the AI chatbot recommendations, demonstrating its potential to enhance wound management and improve patient outcomes. As the field of AI in health care advances, continued research, collaboration, and implementation efforts will unlock the full potential of AI-driven solutions in complex wound care.