Ambient Digital Scribes Populating Clinical Notes

Effective communication forms the foundation of high-quality care. Communication includes verbal and nonverbal channels, with nonverbal communication playing a large role in acknowledging and responding to patient concerns. Effective communication has been negatively affected by the introduction of the electronic health record and required documentation. Clinicians often attend to the computer, writing notes during the encounter, which can lead to missing emotional cues from patients. Missing this key information can leave patients feeling dismissed, not heard, and can lead to lower comprehension and adherence. Further, the amount clinicians need to document often cannot occur solely in the encounter, leading to clinicians working after hours to finish their notes. The cumulative effect of the change in communication and required documentation has been a strong predictor of burnout among clinicians.

The introduction of AI into healthcare might have a positive impact on both efficiency and communication, thus resulting in higher clinician and patient satisfaction. With the advent of Ambient Digital Scribes and AI potentially populating notes, clinicians can have the opportunity to attend fully to patients both verbally and nonverbally. Patients likely will feel more heard, valued, and can ask questions, leading to higher comprehension and adherence. Clinicians might feel the burden of documentation lifted, might be more efficient, and feel more satisfied by providing the care they desire.

To test the impact of Ambient Digital Scribes, the investigators propose a sub-study to the approved project (Pro00115827) where the investigators will audio record clinicians in usual care before they are assigned to the two different scribing programs. The investigators will assess patient outcomes, namely perceived empathy and patient satisfaction, and clinician burnout. The investigators also will code audio recorded encounters to assess: 1) reflective statements (showing active listening), 2) empathic responses to empathic opportunities, 3) patient question-asking, and 4) length of encounter.

Patient Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 years or older
• able to speak and read English

Patient Exclusion Criteria:

• unable to speak and read English

Clinician Inclusion Criteria:

• delivering care in a clinic in which Ambient Digital Scribes are being employed

Clinician Exclusion Criteria:

• not delivering care in a clinic in which Ambient Digital Scribes are being employed