Pilot Study: ChatGPT-enabled Task Sharing and Team Building Improve Workflow in Lymphedema Care

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
• Lymphedema Management

Background:

• Lymphedema care necessitates multidisciplinary collaboration, extensive documentation, and interfacility communication.
• Large language models (LLMs) offer potential to streamline these processes and support team-based care.
• Concerns regarding LLM accuracy, privacy, and governance persist in clinical settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of ChatGPT implementation on efficiency, communication, and staff experience in a lymphedema specialty clinic.
• To identify primary uses, perceived benefits, and challenges associated with using ChatGPT in lymphedema care.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional, anonymous survey was administered to all 12 staff members at a lymphedema specialty clinic in Tokyo.
• The survey, conducted 24 months post-ChatGPT implementation, used 5-point Likert scales and multiple-choice questions, adhering to STROBE guidelines.
• Descriptive statistics were used to summarize staff responses regarding ChatGPT usage and impact.

Main Results:

• All staff reported using ChatGPT, with 58.3% reporting frequent use. Efficiency improved for 83.3% of staff.
• ChatGPT significantly enhanced external communication (mean Likert 4.42/5), reduced preparation time for materials, and decreased perceived work-related stress.
• Primary uses included drafting documents/emails (~92%) and referral reports (~83%). Staff noted moderate trust, occasional inaccuracies, and privacy concerns, highlighting the need for training.

Conclusions:

• ChatGPT implementation enhanced efficiency, communication, and teamwork in a lymphedema clinic, while reducing staff stress.
• Safe and effective integration of LLMs requires human oversight, verification processes, and robust privacy safeguards.
• Under appropriate governance, LLMs can facilitate task sharing, support clinical education, and potentially improve lymphedema patient care.