Performance of 5 Large Language Models in Perioperative Consultation for Pediatric Hypospadias: Cross-Sectional Comparative Study

Editorial reading guide · Trust

Can an answer with credible citations still be unsafe for my child?

Citation verifiability and clinical safety diverged: the most verifiable citations did not prevent severe safety flags. Caregiver empathy ratings and specialist priorities also varied, making polished presentation a poor single basis for trust.

Study context

At one Chengdu tertiary center, 34 caregivers selected priority questions and a separate 36 caregivers plus 23 specialists ranked model answers; eight reviewers audited safety.

Age / stage: Children undergoing hypospadias care; pediatric age range not specified here

Read with three questions

1. How did citation authenticity differ from the clinical safety audit?
2. Where did caregiver empathy preferences conflict with other quality dimensions?
3. Why should a model ranking from ten questions remain context-specific?

Keep the limits in view

The study used ten questions, convenience sampling, forced rankings, and one pediatric condition at one Chinese center. Most caregiver evaluators were mothers, and ratings do not establish postoperative benefit or safe independent use.