More than 3,400 Permanente Medical Group physicians have used AI scribes, which transcribe appointments via a smartphone microphone, during more than 303,000 patient encounters since October, according to the NEJM Catalyst study’s early release.
The researchers from the Oakland, Calif.-based health system found an overall favorable response from providers, who reported more personal and effective appointments and less after-hours clerical work, per the Jan. 31 release. Patients described improved interactions as well. However, clinicians still have to edit the notes for accuracy and relevance.
Thirty-five AI-generated transcripts scored an average of 48 out of 50 in 10 quality metrics. Still, “AI scribes are not a replacement for clinicians,” the authors noted. “They can produce inconsistencies that require physicians’ review and editing to ensure that they remain aligned with the physician-patient relationship.” They also recommended better EHR integration and workflow personalization options.