The UNC School of Nursing is proud to announce that BSN student Linnea Conway has been awarded the Salisbury Family Senior Thesis Research Award by the UNC Honors Carolina program. Linnea, who is set to graduate in May 2025, received the funding for her senior honors project titled “Evaluating the Accuracy of Large Language Models for Lay Public Queries on Myocardial Infarction.”
This project will assess the accuracy of large language model (LLM) platforms, such as ChatGPT, in answering public questions about heart attack symptoms and treatment options. The research will evaluate the responses for correctness, conciseness, comprehensiveness, and clarity. The goal is to determine whether these platforms provide reliable information to the public and to explore potential impacts on future research and nursing practice.
Leslie Davis, PhD, RN, ANP-BC, FAAN, FAANP, FACC, FAHA, FPCNA, Linnea’s thesis advisor, emphasized the relevance of the project to nursing and cardiovascular care, noting that patients often turn to search engines for information without verifying the sources. “For patients who experience acute cardiac conditions, such as those having symptoms consistent with a suspected heart attack, it is critical that patients receive accurate answers to provide guidance on actions needed. They need to recognize the urgency of the situation to expedite health seeking (i.e. call emergency medical services to go to the emergency department).”
The funding from the Salisbury Family Senior Thesis Research Award underscores the significance of Linnea’s work. Research conducted as an undergraduate not only addresses pressing issues in patient care but also creates opportunities for further graduate study, setting the stage for continued contributions to nursing and healthcare advancements.