A survey of large language model use in a hospital, research, and teaching campus

The use of large language models (LLMs) has exploded since November 2022, but there is sparse evidence regarding LLM use in health, medical, and research contexts. We aimed to summarise the current uses of and attitudes towards LLMs across our campus’ clinical, research, and teaching sites. We administered a survey about LLM uses and attitudes. We conducted summary quantitative analysis and inductive qualitative analysis of free text responses. In August–September 2023, we circulated the survey amongst all staff and students across our three campus sites (approximately n = 7500), comprising a paediatric academic hospital, research institute, and paediatric university department. We received 281 anonymous survey responses. We asked about participants’ knowledge of LLMs, their current use of LLMs in professional or learning contexts, and perspectives on possible future uses, opportunities, and risks of LLM use. Over 90% of respondents have heard of LLM tools and about two-thirds have used them in their work on our campus. Respondents reported using LLMs for various uses, including generating or editing text and exploring ideas. Many, but not necessarily all, respondents seem aware of the limitations and potential risks of LLMs, including privacy and security risks. Various respondents expressed enthusiasm about the opportunities of LLM use, including increased efficiency. Our findings show LLM tools are already widely used on our campus. Guidelines and governance are needed to keep up with practice. Insights from this survey were used to develop recommendations for the use of LLMs on our campus.