This post was originally published on this site.
OntarioMD (OMD) a subsidiary of the Ontario Medical Association released the results of a study that validates the benefits of AI scribe / ambient clinical voice technology for medical practices. Physicians reported a significant reduction in paperwork, more time for patient care, and less information overload.
Significant Workflow and Workload Benefits
The OMD study examined the use of AI scribes by more than 150 family doctors and nurse practitioners (NPs) over a three month period. The AI scribes were used to capture conversations between those family doctors or nurse practitioners and their patients. That captured conversation was then summarized by AI into a note in their electronic medical record (EMR).
The study found:
- 70% to 90% less time spent on paperwork, and 3 to 4 hours per week saved doing administrative tasks.
- 83% of participants said they would use an AI scribe in their practice long term.
- 82% of participants said they would recommend AI scribes to their colleagues.
- 79% of participants said they were able to spend more time on patient care.
- 76% of participants reported a reduction in information overload during patient consultations.
Healthcare IT Today caught up with Robert Fox, CEO at OntarioMD and Chris Sulway, Chief of Strategy at OntarioMD to learn more about the study.
Key Takeaways
- AI scribes significantly reduced the documentation workload on physicians. Many reported they did not have to spend “pajama time” catching up on EMR documentation.
- OntarioMD is planning to implement an AI certification process to ensure physicians get AI solutions that can meet their needs at a price that is sustainable.
- There is the potential for AI to help with the shortage of physicians in primary care. By reducing burnout and workload, AI may encourage existing physicians to delay retirement and new physicians to choose primary care.
AI Scribes are a Game-Changer
Both Fox and Sulway were pleased that the independent study validated the benefits of AI scribes for physician practices.
“AI is an absolute game changer,” said Fox. “It decreases workload, reduces burnout, and lessens the administrative burden they are experiencing.”
“What we heard from doctors is that the time saved is not necessarily during the work day,” added Sulway. “AI is decreasing the time after hours and on weekends. These AI tools bring back the joy of medicine and may help incent doctors to choose family practice.”
AI Certification on the Horizon
The study was rigorous and was designed by physicians themselves. This has given OMD and other government agencies the confidence to push for the widespread adoption of AI scribe technology. OMD is now setting its sights on developing a certification process to ensure only appropriate solutions are implemented.
“Now it is all about how we scale AI and get this tool out into the community,” explained Fox. “We do have to consider patient consent and we have to ensure the data is utilized in an appropriate fashion. We also want to make sure there are contract and certification supports in place so that physicians can get the best price and best AI solutions.”
No timeline was given on when the certification criteria or process would be in place, but the enthusiasm for AI scribes is growing quickly – buoyed by the results of the OMD study.
Healthcare IT Today will continue to track the announcements from OMD in the months ahead. The future of AI scribes, and by extension, AI in general is bright in Canada.
Learn more about OntarioMD at https://www.ontariomd.ca/
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