AI streamlines documentation, frees time for nurses at Cedars-Sinai surgical unit

Editor's Note

An artificial intelligence (AI) tool is showing significant promise in reducing the administrative workload for nurses and clinical partners on a 48-bed surgical unit at Cedars-Sinai, according to a February 12 Cedars-Sinai Newsroom Q&A with Rachel Coren, MPH, MS, vice president and associate chief information officer, and Peachy Hain, MSN, RN, executive director of Nursing, Surgical Services and Clinical Support Programs.

According to the Q&A, the AI-powered mobile app, Aiva Nurse Assistant, enables nurses to dictate patient information in real time using hospital-issued, HIPAA-compliant smartphones. The system transcribes and maps the data directly into electronic health records (EHRs), covering 50 of the most frequently used fields in Epic. Nurses then validate the entries before submission, ensuring accuracy while significantly reducing the time spent on documentation.

The pilot program expands upon similar AI technologies already supporting Cedars-Sinai physicians. Hain notes that nurses typically spend up to 40% of their shifts on documentation, contributing to burnout and staffing challenges. The AI tool was developed with direct input from frontline nurses to streamline workflow and maximize efficiency.

Unlike previous AI applications in healthcare, which primarily targeted physician documentation, this initiative is among the first to integrate AI into real-world nursing workflows. Coren emphasized that the platform is designed to evolve alongside the profession, adapting to increasing documentation requirements.

Early feedback from nurses has been overwhelmingly positive, Hain and Coren report. Some initially skeptical staff members now report significant time savings and reduced stress. One nurse described how colleagues were surprised at how quickly he completed documentation, while another called the tool “a lifesaver.” Even experienced nurses with decades of service have embraced the technology.

As the pilot progresses, Cedars-Sinai is gathering feedback to refine the system before expanding its use across inpatient units and affiliate hospitals, Hain and Coren say. Plans are also underway to explore AI’s role in other nursing tasks, such as voice-activated task reminders, lab result retrieval, and in-room device control.