Crafting Customized Treatment Plans with ChatGPT

Author

Tim Pile
August 26, 2024

Alright, let’s cut to the chase. You’re a dermatologist, and your schedule is packed. You’ve got back-to-back patients, all with unique skin concerns. You’re writing treatment plans like a pro, but here’s the kicker—translating those plans into something your patients can actually follow? That’s a whole different ball game. Most patients aren’t fluent in “doctor-speak,” and let’s be real, you don’t have time to turn every treatment plan into a skincare blog post. That’s where ChatGPT comes in, ready to do the heavy lifting and make your life a whole lot easier.

Right now, you’re probably spending more time than you’d like explaining the same things over and over. “Use this cream in the morning, that one at night, and don’t mix them up!” It’s tedious, and it’s not the best use of your time. Plus, if patients don’t fully understand, they’re likely to screw up their routine, which leads to more follow-ups and less-than-ideal results. ChatGPT is like having an extra set of hands to break down those complex treatment plans into simple, easy-to-follow steps, all while you focus on what really matters.

So what’s the upside? By using ChatGPT to create customized treatment plans, you’re not just saving time—you’re leveling up the patient experience. Clear, concise instructions lead to better compliance, fewer misunderstandings, and ultimately, better skin. It’s a win-win situation. Now, let’s dive into how you can make this happen.

Turning Doctor-Speak into Patient-Friendly Routines

Here’s the deal: ChatGPT is like your AI-powered assistant that can take your super technical treatment notes and spit out a daily routine your patients can actually follow. Let’s look at a prompt you might use:

Can you write a daily routine in simple language for the following treatment plan? Plan: Prescription Medication Management. Begin the following treatments: SKNV Salicylic Acid 2% - Sulfacetamide Sodium 8% cleanser. Continue the following treatments: CeraVe cleanser BID, Tretinoin 0.025% cream QHS, BenzaClin 5% - 1% gel in the AM. Modify the following treatments: Start Tretinoin 0.05% cream next month. Patient opted to defer treatment for the following reasons: Discussed Isotretinoin - will continue with topicals, counseling provided on how to use medications correctly. Plan: Follow up in 2 months.

This prompt is gold. You’re feeding ChatGPT all the necessary details, and in return, it gives you a simple, straightforward routine that your patients can actually stick to. It’s like having a translator that speaks “patient” fluently, making sure no critical detail gets lost in translation.

Here’s the first pass ChatGPT might deliver:

Here’s a simple daily routine based on the treatment plan:

Morning Routine:

1. Cleanse: Use the CeraVe cleanser to wash your face.

2. Apply Medication: After washing, apply BenzaClin 5% - 1% gel to your face.

Evening Routine:

1. Cleanse: Wash your face with the SKNV Salicylic Acid 2% - Sulfacetamide Sodium 8% cleanser.

2. Apply Tretinoin: Apply Tretinoin 0.025% cream to your face before going to bed.

Next Steps:

- Next Month: Start using the stronger Tretinoin 0.05% cream at bedtime instead of the 0.025% cream.

- Follow Up: You’ll check back in with your dermatologist in 2 months to see how everything is going.

Note: You discussed starting Isotretinoin but decided to stick with the current topical treatments. You were given advice on how to use your medications correctly.

Not bad. It’s clear, it’s simple, and it gets the job done. But we’re not here to settle for “good enough.” Let’s make this even better.

The Upgrade: Adding Personality and Detail

Now, let’s take that solid foundation and make it awesome with a follow-up prompt:

Can you give more detail for each step and use a more conversational tone?

Here’s what ChatGPT might kick back:

Absolutely! Here’s a more detailed and conversational daily routine:

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Morning Routine:

1. Cleanse Your Face:

- Start your day by washing your face with the CeraVe cleanser. Think of it as your morning wake-up call for your skin. Gently massage it in for about 30 seconds, then rinse with lukewarm water to get rid of any overnight buildup.

2. Apply BenzaClin Gel:

- Once your face is clean and dry, apply a thin layer of BenzaClin 5% - 1% gel. Use a pea-sized amount and spread it evenly across your face, focusing on the spots where you tend to break out. Let it dry before you move on to sunscreen or makeup.

Evening Routine:

1. Cleanse Again:

- In the evening, switch up your cleanser to the SKNV Salicylic Acid 2% - Sulfacetamide Sodium 8% cleanser. This one’s perfect for getting rid of the day’s grime. Just like in the morning, massage it in gently and rinse with lukewarm water.

2. Apply Tretinoin Cream:

- After your face is clean and dry, apply your Tretinoin 0.025% cream. This cream is your go-to for smoother, clearer skin. Just a tiny amount (think pea-sized) is enough. Apply it evenly, avoiding sensitive areas like your eyes and mouth.

What’s Coming Up:

- Next Month: You’ll switch to the stronger Tretinoin 0.05% cream. Don’t worry, we’ll ease into it. Just swap it in for your current cream before bed.

- Follow-Up: In 2 months, you’ll check back in to see how things are going. We’ll make any necessary tweaks then.

Important Note:

- You considered starting Isotretinoin, but decided to stick with the topicals for now. You’ve got the guidance on how to use everything correctly, so follow that advice for the best results.

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This routine is all about keeping it simple, effective, and easy to stick to!

Now we’re talking. This version is not only detailed, but it’s also relatable and easy for your patients to digest. It feels like you’re talking directly to them, making the whole process feel a lot less intimidating.

Making This Part of Your Routine

Here’s the best part: You can do this for every patient. After you finish writing your chart notes, plug them into ChatGPT with a prompt like the one above. Refine the output with a follow-up prompt to add that extra polish. Whether you handle this yourself or delegate it to your staff, you’re going to save a ton of time and ensure your patients walk away with a treatment plan they actually understand and can stick to. The result? Fewer follow-up calls, better compliance, and ultimately, better results. Now that’s what I call a win.

Until next time,

The Wood's Lamp Editorial Team

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