Sioux Falls, S.D.-based Sanford Health plans to expand an ambient AI documentation tool to an additional 200 clinicians after a successful pilot.
The health system began piloting the tool in July 2024 with 100 clinicians.
“One of the asks that we had of them [the clinicians] was to provide us feedback and be engaged into how this tool is working for them,” Roxana Lupu, MD, chief medical information officer at Sanford Health, told Becker’s. “I would say that 100% of them said that if I took this tool away from them, they would be extremely disappointed. It’s telling—when EHRs were first implemented years ago, the promise was that providers would never be behind on documentation because electronic records would make the process more efficient. Yet, here we are, decades later, with providers spending more time than ever documenting after hours.”
Dr. Lupu said she was initially skeptical about how the tool would improve the provider experience, but it has proven to be highly effective.
“We have providers at different stages of their careers—some are very tech-savvy and eager to adopt new innovations, while others struggle with technology and completing their documentation. Given these varying levels of experience and comfort with technology, you might expect differing opinions, but across the board, everyone reported improvements,” she said.
These improvements included increased clinician satisfaction, with 88% of clinicians reporting a reduction in burnout or fatigue. Additionally, 90% said they experienced higher job satisfaction, while the same percentage noted an improvement in their work-life balance. The tool has also eased cognitive burden, with 95% of clinicians stating it has helped reduce mental strain.
Beyond satisfaction, the tool has played a key role in clinician retention. More than three-quarters of respondents—76%—said they are now more likely to remain with their current organization, while 80% reported they are more likely to continue practicing in the field.
These results are prompting Sanford Health to onboard another 200 clinicians by the end of March. The end goal, according to Dr. Lupu, is to provide the tool to those who would benefit most.
“We are expanding to add more licenses based on demand, and we will consider increasing that number in the future. Our focus is on making the most out of this tool,” she said. “I understand that this is a new technology, and people are eager to try it, but it’s essential that providers actively use it rather than just experiment with it. From a health system perspective, this is an investment—not just in technology, but in our clinicians and their well-being.”
