Truace
Subscribe

The adoption, efficacy, and limitations of large language models in urological education: A cross-sectional survey

The integration of large language models into medical education is rapidly transforming pedagogical approaches, particularly in specialized fields like urology. This study aims to evaluate the adoption patterns, perceived efficacy, and significant limitations of these artificial intelligence (AI) tools among urology trainees. This research employed a descriptive, cross-sectional study design through an online survey disseminated to urology trainees at a single institution. A total of 194 complete responses were…

By the Truvace desk2 min read1 sourcePeer-reviewedTRV-2026-1677· cite & verify
The adoption, efficacy, and limitations of large language models in urological education: A cross-sectional survey
"Chatbots linked" by Ashhstarr is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.

In brief

A cross-sectional online survey at a single institution gathered 194 complete responses from medical students and interns training in urology. It asked how they use large language models, how effective they find them, and what limits them. Nearly all respondents used such tools, and about two thirds did so daily, mostly with ChatGPT for exam-style questions and guideline summaries.

The findings suggest AI tools have become routine in specialist medical training and are seen as helpful for learning and confidence. Because the outcomes are self-reported perceptions from one institution, the results do not show actual learning gains, and the reliability of AI output remains a central unresolved concern requiring oversight.

Main points

  1. Adoption was 98.4%, with 65% of participants using AI tools daily, predominantly ChatGPT.
  2. Common uses were generating exam-style questions and summarizing complex guidelines.
  3. Highest perceived gains were in disease knowledge and diagnostics (median 7, interquartile range 6-7).
  4. Usage frequency and comfort with technology predicted knowledge improvement (β = 0.29) and confidence gains (β = 0.30).
  5. Hallucinations or incorrect information were the top limitation, cited by 54.1%.

The problem

More than half of surveyed trainees flagged AI hallucinations or incorrect information as the main limitation of LLMs in their urological study.

The rundown

The study used a descriptive, cross-sectional design with an online survey sent to urology trainees at one institution. Respondents were medical students and interns, and efficacy was rated on a 7-point Likert scale.

Perceived improvements were strongly correlated with increased clinical confidence. Multivariate regression showed that those who used the tools more often and were more comfortable with technology reported larger gains in knowledge and confidence.

The authors conclude that the transformative potential of LLMs is tempered by reliability concerns, and they call for a balanced approach combining these tools with vigilant oversight.

Sources

  1. Peer-reviewedMedicine2026-10-16

The debate