The Struggles of Clinical Documentation

Internal medicine physician Dr. Missy Scalise recalls a poignant moment in her career when her son remarked, “She works on her computer” during a routine check-up. This moment highlighted the struggle many healthcare professionals face: the overwhelming burden of clinical documentation.

Finding a Solution

After that day, Dr. Scalise sought ways to reclaim her time with family, realizing that early mornings were her only respite to complete documentation. However, nine months ago, her health system began utilizing an AI assistant, significantly easing this burden.

The Rise of AI in Healthcare

Dr. Scalise believes that AI-powered documentation tools will become standard in healthcare within five years. These tools not only alleviate burnout but also foster more meaningful interactions between clinicians and patients.

Case Study: Ascension Saint Thomas & Suki

Dr. Scalise began using an AI documentation tool from Suki as part of a pilot program. Recently, Ascension Saint Thomas announced plans to integrate Suki’s AI assistant into its residency program.

Suki’s AI assistant allows physicians to access patient information quickly and even generate clinical notes by listening to conversations. This innovation has saved Dr. Scalise precious hours, allowing her to focus more on her family.

Other Notable Implementations

Ochsner Health is also deploying DeepScribe’s AI assistant to its 4,700 clinicians, while Kaiser Permanente is rolling out Abridge’s tool across its facilities. These implementations aim to enhance clinician efficiency and patient engagement.

The Future of Clinical Documentation

As AI tools proliferate in healthcare, they promise to improve the quality of physician-patient relationships. Dr. Harrison Jackson from Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center emphasizes that these tools not only save time but also enhance the quality of care.

Conclusion

In conclusion, AI is revolutionizing clinical documentation, making healthcare professionals more efficient and satisfied, ultimately benefiting patients.

Photo: megaflopp, Getty Images