A physician dictates notes about a patient encounter.
getty
Ambient intelligence, or ambient AI, is becoming increasingly prevalent across various industries, particularly in healthcare. This technology uses computing to detect, react, and generate insights based on the mere presence of individuals, functioning autonomously without active user engagement.
The internet of things (IoT) exemplifies this trend, encompassing smart devices and wearables that can monitor health metrics. For instance, a smartwatch can automatically alert users when their heart rate spikes, providing timely notifications.
Recent advancements in computing power have expanded the capabilities of these devices. They can now seamlessly integrate into daily life, such as scheduling a taxi after a colonoscopy or arranging food delivery post-procedure, all tailored to user preferences. This technology is particularly beneficial for patients lacking adequate healthcare infrastructure or needing continuous monitoring.
How is ambient AI transforming clinical workflows?
Ambient AI is rapidly evolving within clinical workflows. A notable example is ambient dictation technology, which listens to physician-patient conversations and transcribes them into notes for review. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) revealed that providers spend nearly 1.77 hours outside regular hours on documentation tasks, contributing to clinician burnout.
Companies like Augmedix utilize ambient dictation platforms to generate encounter notes automatically. Recently, Augmedix announced its acquisition by Commure for $139 million. Similarly, Nuance, acquired by Microsoft in 2022, is enhancing its dictation services with AI to alleviate the documentation burden on providers.
What are the future possibilities of ambient AI?
The potential applications of ambient AI are vast, ranging from virtual assistants to data-driven insights. As this technology continues to evolve, it holds significant promise for transforming healthcare for both patients and providers.
- 0 Comments
- Ai Process
- Artificial Intelligence