Family doctors, who often spend up to 19 hours a week on administrative tasks such as documenting patient visits and writing referrals, are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to help streamline these processes and improve patient care.
In a significant move, the Government of Ontario has launched a pilot program to test AI scribe technology with over 150 family physicians. Additionally, many doctors have initiated their own trials, incorporating AI scribes into their daily routines.
At the beginning of 2024, Dr. Ali Damji, a family physician in Mississauga, sought ways to make his paperwork more efficient and achieve a better work-life balance.
"As part of my new year’s resolutions, I aimed to enhance my well-being and find more joy in my practice," Dr. Damji explained.
To achieve this, he tested three different AI scribe programs compatible with his EMR system, ultimately selecting the one that best met his needs.
AI scribes, once they receive patient consent to record conversations, transcribe these discussions into SOAP notes for the doctor to review and add to the patient’s electronic medical record (EMR). SOAP notes include subjective information from the patient, objective details from the doctor, the physician’s assessment, and a plan for patient care.
Dr. Damji acknowledges that while there is a learning curve, the time saved is significant. "Using an AI scribe saves me an entire day each week, allowing me to better serve my patients and community," he said. "The technology is straightforward to learn and has significantly reduced my administrative workload."
AI scribes also positively impact patient care quality.
Dave Courtemanche, who recently retired as Executive Director of City of Lakes Family Health Team in Greater Sudbury, shared that his team began testing an AI scribe in December 2023. Prior to using the technology, some doctors struggled to fully engage with patients during appointments due to the need to update charts in real-time.
"Now, doctors can fully focus on their conversations with patients," Courtemanche said. "Patients feel more heard, and physicians have less administrative work to handle."
While AI scribes hold promise for reducing administrative burdens on family physicians, broader government initiatives are needed to address ongoing challenges for doctors and their patients.
"AI offers a new set of tools for family physicians, helping them manage administrative and clinical tasks while staying present for their patients," Courtemanche noted. "However, additional support is essential for family doctors."
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