Researchers recruited 174 patients waiting for appointments at Lowell (Mass.) General Hospital. The research team showed them their EHR notes, either with or without the help of an AI-powered tool designed to help patients understand EHR notes. The tool, called NoteAid, provides medical jargon definitions patients can view by hovering their mouse over a term.
The study found patients who used NoteAid earned significantly higher health literacy scores compared to those who didn’t.
The research team is now refining the dictionary that the tool uses, accounting for a physician standpoint regarding accuracy and a patient standpoint regarding reading level, according to a July 23 news release.
