Are GPTs the Answer to Small Clinics’ Digital Struggles? A Comprehensive Implementation Study

Abstract

Small clinics in North America often struggle to keep pace with the digital transformation sweeping the healthcare industry due to limited financial resources and technological expertise. This digital divide has become more pronounced with the increasing reliance on digital solutions, such as online booking systems and telehealth services, exacerbated further by the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper evaluates whether Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPTs), introduced by OpenAI, can effectively bridge this gap by providing a cost-effective and efficient solution for small clinics. We detail the implementation of a GPT-based online booking system tai lored to the needs of small clinics. The methodology includes a flowchart of the system’s components and descriptions, supplemented by code and scripts in the appendix. Our findings show that GPTs can significantly improve booking efficiency, reduce administrative workload, and enhance patient experience. However, we also identify drawbacks such as technical issues and the need for staff adaptation. We discuss potential issues, including error handling, privacy concerns, and appointment conflicts. The paper concludes with recommendations for small clinics on leveraging GPT technology to enhance their digital capabilities, ultimately aiming to provide more efficient and accessible healthcare services.