Leveraging ChatGPT in the Pediatric Neurology Clinic: Practical Considerations for Use to Improve Efficiency and Outcomes

Pediatr Neurol. 2023 Nov:148:157-163. doi: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2023.08.035. Epub 2023 Aug 29.

Abstract

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is progressively influencing healthcare sectors, including pediatric neurology. This paper aims to investigate the potential and limitations of using ChatGPT, a large language model (LLM) developed by OpenAI, in an outpatient pediatric neurology clinic. The analysis focuses on the tool's capabilities in enhancing clinical efficiency, productivity, and patient education.

Method: This is an opinion-based exploration supplemented with practical examples. We assessed ChatGPT's utility in administrative and educational tasks such as drafting medical necessity letters and creating patient educational materials.

Results: ChatGPT showed efficacy in streamlining administrative work, particularly in drafting administrative letters and formulating personalized patient education materials. However, the model has limitations in performing higher-order tasks like formulating nuanced differential diagnoses. Additionally, ethical and legal concerns, including data privacy and the potential dissemination of misinformation, warrant cautious implementation.

Conclusions: The integration of AI tools like ChatGPT in pediatric neurology clinics has demonstrated promising results in boosting efficiency and patient education, despite present limitations and ethical concerns. As technology advances, we anticipate future applications may extend to more complex clinical tasks like precise differential diagnoses and treatment strategy guidance. Careful, patient-centered implementation is essential for leveraging the potential benefits of AI in pediatric neurology effectively.

Keywords: ChatGPT; Clinic; Efficiency; Letters; Practical; Workflow.