Photo credit: www.foxnews.com
DENVER – The integration of artificial intelligence into healthcare is changing the dynamics of doctor-patient interactions, potentially influencing your upcoming medical appointments.
Recent surveys reveal that numerous physicians are adopting a sophisticated AI technology known as ambient listening. This innovation captures conversations between healthcare professionals and patients, producing real-time transcription and comprehensive clinical notes, all while maintaining the natural flow of dialogue during appointments.
Dr. Daniel Kortsch, who serves as the associate chief of artificial intelligence and digital health at Denver Health, noted the positive impact this technology has had since its implementation in his practice in late 2024.
WHAT IS AI?
“This technology fundamentally transforms the nature of the doctor-patient relationship, allowing for more authentic interactions,” Kortsch remarked.
Across the nation, a substantial number of physicians are utilizing ambient listening AI. (Kennedy Hayes/ Fox News)
At Denver Health, practitioners utilize a tool named Nabla. Initiated with a single click, this system begins transcribing the conversation between doctor and patient, even accommodating multiple languages, as stated by Kortsch. After each consultation, the tool generates a thorough summary that gets added to the patient’s records.
This technological advancement is particularly timely. The Association of American Medical Colleges warns that the U.S. is on the brink of a significant physician shortage, projected to reach between 57,000 and 72,000 this year, leading to increased workloads and contributing to clinician burnout.
HOW AI IS REVOLUTIONIZING THE WORLD OF MEDICINE
“Our analysis revealed that physicians using Nabla dedicated less time to paperwork at home, experiencing reduced ‘pajama time,’” Kortsch explained, referring to the hours spent by doctors endlessly typing at home.
For patients who may have reservations about AI, technology firms emphasize that medical professionals remain in command throughout the process, ensuring a system that balances the contributions of AI with clinical oversight.
Following patient consultations, the AI tool Nabla produces a comprehensive summary that integrates into the patient’s medical records. (Nabla)
“The physician retains complete authoritative control, ensuring that all decisions align with the best interests of the patient,” Kenneth Harper, head of Dragon Copilot at Microsoft, which provides medical AI, shared.
AI MODEL COULD HELP PREDICT LUNG CANCER RISKS IN NON-SMOKERS, STUDY FINDS: ‘SIGNIFICANT ADVANCEMENT’
Currently, 600 healthcare organizations in several states including Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, Texas, and Pennsylvania are utilizing Microsoft’s Dragon Copilot technology for ambient listening, according to a company spokesperson.
The tool is designed to “enhance clinician well-being, boost efficiency, and improve outcomes for both providers and patients through quick, precise, secure, and user-friendly speech capabilities,” Microsoft announced.
“The adoption of this technology significantly alters the doctor-patient dialogue, fostering a more human connection,” Kortsch stated.
As AI streamlines workflow for healthcare providers, Kortsch highlighted that patients also gain from greater attention and engagement during their visits.
Looking to the future, Kortsch indicated that Denver Health aims to broaden the application of this technology, training not only physicians but also nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, and physical therapists, thereby extending the advantages of ambient AI throughout the healthcare system.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
“Healthcare professionals pursue this career not to fill out forms but to connect with patients, and ambient AI facilitates that,” he remarked.
The Association of American Medical Colleges predicts that the United States could experience a shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by the year 2036.
Source
www.foxnews.com