Opportunities, challenges and risks of using artificial intelligence for evidence synthesis

Artificial intelligence (AI) is developing rapidly. In particular, in the area of machine learning (ML), significant progress has been made, and large language models (LLMs) have become widely available (for definitions see box 1). This sparks significant interest in the potential application of this technology across various sectors, including healthcare. One area where LLMs promise substantial benefits is evidence synthesis.1 This article discusses the opportunities, challenges and risks associated with using AI, and LLMs in particular, for this purpose, drawing on insights from the third Methods Forum of Cochrane Germany, held in Freiburg, Germany, on 14 June 2024.