Harnessing ChatGPT for thematic analysis: Are we ready?

ChatGPT is an advanced natural language processing tool with growing applications across various disciplines in medical research. Thematic analysis, a qualitative research method to identify and interpret patterns in data, is one application that stands to benefit from this technology. This viewpoint explores the utilization of ChatGPT in three core phases of thematic analysis within a medical context: 1) direct coding of transcripts, 2) generating themes from a predefined list of codes, and 3) preprocessing quotes for manuscript inclusion. Additionally, we explore the potential of ChatGPT to generate interview transcripts, which may be used for training purposes. We assess the strengths and limitations of using ChatGPT in these roles, highlighting areas where human intervention remains necessary. Overall, we argue that ChatGPT can function as a valuable tool during analysis, enhancing the efficiency of the thematic analysis and offering additional insights into the qualitative data.Comment: 23 pages, 7 figures, 3 tables, 1 textbo

General Public’s knowledge, awareness, and perception of Cardiometabolic diseases: data from a Singapore study population

BackgroundHealth literacy and illness perception play crucial roles in tackling the cardiometabolic disease epidemic. We aim to compare the attitudes, knowledge, self-perceived risks and actions taken, between individuals with and without metabolic risk factors (MFs).MethodsFrom 5 June to 5 October 2022, participants of the general public were invited to complete a self-administered questionnaire. MF status was defined as the presence of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus and/or current/previous smoking. Participants were assessed based on four categories (knowledge-based, attitude-based, perceived risk, and action-based) of questions pertaining to four cardiometabolic diseases – diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.ResultsA total of 345 participants were enrolled, of whom 34.5% had at least one MF. Compared to those without MFs, participants with MFs had lower knowledge scores, but higher perceived risk scores across all cardiometabolic diseases. The largest knowledge gap pertained to hypertension-related questions. After adjustment, linear regression demonstrated that the presence of MFs (β:2.752, 95%CI: 0.772–4.733, p = 0.007) and higher knowledge scores (β:0.418, 95%CI: 0.236–0.600, p < 0.001) were associated with higher perceived risk. Despite increased perceived risk in those with MFs, this translated to only few increased self-reported preventive actions, when compared to those without MFs, namely the reduction in red meat/processed food consumption (p = 0.045) and increase in fruits/vegetables consumption (p = 0.009).ConclusionThis study identified a vulnerable subpopulation living with MFs, with high perceived risks, and discordant levels of knowledge and preventive actions taken. Nationwide efforts should be channeled into addressing the knowledge-to-action gap

HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL IN SINGAPORE

Bachelor'sBACHELOR OF ARTS (HONOURS

Vaginal discharge: evaluation and management in primary care

10.11622/smedj.2020088SINGAPORE MEDICAL JOURNAL616297-30

Male osteoporosis: clinical approach and management in family practice

10.11622/smedj.2014085SINGAPORE MEDICAL JOURNAL557353-35

The adoption, diffusion and impact of an auditing documentation software in a Singapore public accounting firm : a case study

The documentation of auditing work papers has generally been a manual process, where the auditor writes on the audit file using pen and paper. However, the use of IT in auditing generally and in documentation specifically has been increasing. The project team examined the decision process to adopt A+-, an audit documentation software in Deloitte and Touche (D&T) Singapore, identifying the various stages in this decision process. The project team discovered that all the five stages in Rogers' adoption framework were identified in the organisation's process to adopt A+. The project team studied the ways in which A+ was diffused in the organisation as well as the process of diffusion in the organisation. The project team found that training was the main strategy used to diffuse A+ to the users in the organisation. The diffusion process as discussed by McFarlan and McKenney was compared to the organisation's diffusion process and the project team concluded that the actual diffusion process was not fully implemented at the time of the research. This is because the later stages of McFarlan and McKenney's diffusion process model could not be seen in D&T's diffusion process . Finally, the project team looked at the effects of the use of A+ on the auditor, especially the impact on productivity and work satisfaction. The project team found that A+ had a mixed effect on auditor performance and work satisfaction. The report concludes with several recommendations on factors which should be considered in implementing new IT especially documentation technology in public accounting firms in Singapore.ACCOUNTANC

Approach to infantile colic in primary care

10.11622/smedj.2019004SINGAPORE MEDICAL JOURNAL601Dec-1

Exploring barriers and facilitators of primary care physicians towards optimising statin therapy in patients with hyperlipidaemia in the very high-risk group: a qualitative study in Singapore

Objectives To explore the perspectives of primary care physicians with regard to the barriers and facilitators towards optimising statin therapy in patients with hyperlipidaemia in the very high-risk group.Design Qualitative descriptive study.Setting Four polyclinics in a public primary care institution in Singapore.Participants Seven men and five women working as primary care physicians were recruited for in-depth interviews.Results The major barriers to statin optimisation identified were patients’ lack of knowledge and awareness, patients’ fear of side effects, negative external influences on patients, poor doctor–patient relationship, time constraint during consultations, physicians’ unfamiliarity with guidelines, low health literacy among the local population and lack of strong national policy. The major facilitators identified were patient education, providing continuity of care, improving electronic medical record systems’ capabilities, physician education and public education.Conclusion We identified several important barriers and facilitators of statin therapy optimisation in this study. This information offers insights into the development of a multipronged approach to address barriers across different levels with the aim of optimising statin use, reducing cardiovascular events and improving patient outcomes

Cervical cancer screening and vaccination: understanding the latest guidelines.

10.11622/smedj.2022045Singapore Med J633125-12

Failure to thrive in babies and toddlers

10.11622/smedj.2016102SINGAPORE MEDICAL JOURNAL576287-29