AI-powered documentation tool undergoes successful pilot run

Editor's Note: 

Initial testing of an AI-driven documentation tool showed great promise in reducing administrative burdens on primary care clinicians at Atrium Health, according to a January 9 report in Chief Healthcare Executive.

The health system is reportedly the first to widely test the Nuance Dragon Ambient eXperience (DAX) Copilot, which records conversations between doctors and patients to generate visit summaries nearly instantaneously. Atrium initially tested the Copilot in a pilot program with 125 primary care physicians across the southeast. On average, Atrium’s program found the technology helped physicians save 30 to 40 minutes per day. 

In addition to reducing documentation time, the tool reportedly helped reduce the stress of multi-tasking for doctors who must simultaneously listen to patients, evaluate possible diagnoses, and document the encounter.

Among surveyed Atrium physicians, 92% said the technology was easy to use; 84% said it improved their documentation experience; and 68% said it improved the experience of providing care.

According to the report, the health system is reportedly undergoing rigorous examination of the test results and is working with the developer to expand use of the system in the “not-too-distant future.”