Exploring large language models for dermatology inbox management: A solution for provider burnout

Summary: Abstract Body: Background: Studies have shown that dermatologists spend a significant portion of their workday responding to patient messages, with recent data identifying inbox management as a leading contributor to provider burnout and decreased job satisfaction. Large Language Models (LLMs) have demonstrated capabilities in natural language processing and content generation across various industries, suggesting potential applications in clinical communication management. Methods: This paper explores the theoretical framework and practical considerations for implementing LLM assistance in dermatology inbox management. We review current challenges in message handling, examine available LLM technologies, and analyze potential integration strategies within existing electronic health record systems. Key considerations include message categorization, response automation capabilities, provider oversight requirements, and patient privacy protection. Results: Our analysis suggests that LLM implementation could streamline common inbox tasks such as medication inquiries, appointment scheduling clarifications, and basic skincare questions. Critical factors for successful integration include maintaining appropriate provider oversight, ensuring HIPAA compliance, and developing dermatology-specific training datasets. Potential benefits include reduced provider time burden, standardized response quality, and improved work satisfaction while maintaining patient care quality. Conclusion: LLM technology presents a promising solution for dermatology inbox management challenges. Future research should focus on developing specialized dermatology language models, establishing safety protocols, and conducting controlled trials to measure the impact on provider workload and patient satisfaction. Faranak Kamangar², Andrea Leung¹, Georgia Marquez-Grap¹, Allison Kranyak¹, Wilson Liao¹, Tina Bhutani¹ 1. Dermatology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States. 2. Dermatology, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Palo Alto, CA, United States. Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, and Imaging