4. Discussion
In the overall evaluation of this trial, resident physicians with artificial intelligence-based assistance derived a more accurate differential diagnosis through interviews with simulated patients, reducing the total interview time for all cases. On the other hand, individual cases showed some variability in results. The variability in results suggests that not all of the information provided by the support system was valid. The present results suggest that the use of the artificial intelligence-based interview support system can contribute to more efficient and accurate medical interviews by physicians but also suggest a need for caution regarding its use.Previous studies of the effectiveness of artificial intelligence in assisting with medical interviews were limited, and few studies have been able to show the usefulness of diagnostic support systems using artificial intelligence [With regard to participants’ medical decision-making, the artificial intelligence-based medical interview support system appeared to be generally effective. On the other hand, individual cases showed some variability in results.In more detail, the contribution of the artificial intelligence-based medical interview support system to the correct diagnosis was classified into four groups. First, in cases 7 and 8, the group using the artificial intelligence-based support system suggested a more accurate differential diagnosis. None of the following individual cases were shown to be statistically significant and should be considered with caution.Second, in cases 1, 3, and 9, although there were no statistically significant differences, the group using the artificial intelligence-based support system may have suggested a more accurate differential diagnosis. Third, in cases 2, 5, 6, and 10, the use of the artificial intelligence-based support system may not have been related to more accurate differential diagnosis suggestions. Finally, in case 4, the group that did not use the artificial intelligence-based support system may have suggested a more accurate differential diagnosis. These results suggest the not all of the information provided by the artificial intelligence-based medical interview support system may have been helpful for diagnosis, or that the resident physicians were unable to use the information provided. Above all, it will be important to select appropriate cases to conduct clinical education using artificial intelligence-based systems, and experienced physicians should provide the learners with feedback on how to use artificial intelligence-based support.The artificial intelligence-based medical interview support system needs a larger and more practical evaluation in the future.In the present study, although there was no significant difference in the number of questions, the time required for history-taking tended to be shorter in each case, and there was a significant difference in total time; the results contrasted with a previously reported retrospective study [It will also be necessary to evaluate the patient effort required to participate in medical interviews using artificial intelligence tools in the future. Whether a patient in poor health can properly communicate his or her information, including concerns and questions, through the AI interview system without stress should be evaluated.