Purpose
As Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology continues to advance, its impact on the education of medical and health professionals will be significant. Educators are encouraged to integrate AI technology, such as chatbots, to enrich students’ learning experiences. This study aims to explore investigate the potential of AI chatbots in enhancing learning and motivation among medical students, framed by Ryan and Deci’s Self-Determination Theory (SDT), which emphasized the importance of autonomous motivation for engagement and persistence.

Methods
First-year undergraduate medical students studying the Cardiovascular System during AY2023/2024 participated in the study. Students were provided with eBooks, online lecture videos, and quizzes for self-directed learning, before attending in-person classroom discussions. Students were encouraged to submit questions via a designated Question & Answer (Q&A) link and use ChatGPT for answers, with teachers providing further clarifications needed. To evaluate the AI chatbot’s impact on motivation, we used the established SDT and Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI) in a post-course anonymous survey questionnaire. The survey included open-ended questions about the chatbot’s strengths and limitations.

Results
80.7% (46/57) of the students participated in and completed the survey, using ChatGPT for their study of the Cardiovascular System. Overall, needs satisfaction was 3.81 ± 0.89, with autonomy scoring the highest (4.07 ± 0.77), followed by competence (4.00 ± 0.78) and relatedness (3.35 ± 1.11). Students showed interest (3.80 ± 0.88) and recognized value (4.25 ± 0.69) in using ChatGPT. The chatbot was perceived as a useful tool for generating fast, easy-to-understand answers and facilitating deep understanding and critical thinking skills. However, students acknowledged its limitations, particularly concerning accuracy, credibility, and generalized answers.

Conclusion
This study found that using AI chatbots like ChatGPT promotes intrinsic motivation, encouraging idea generation and critical thinking. Integrating AI tools alongside traditional resources can effectively supplement medical education and enhance learning outcomes.