Case Study 1: Getting back your Time with a Digital Assistant - A Pediatrician's Experience

I have been implementing AI tools in different practices with different workflows and requirements for quite some time now.

My goal here is to shed some light on the different use cases I encounter, as I continue to implement AI tools across different specialties. So if after reading this and would like more specifics to be covered on the subject, kindly indulge me in the comments or send me a dm.

Hello everyone,

Imagine shaving hours off your administrative workload without compromising the quality of your documentation. For one pediatrician based in Montreal, this became a reality with the adoption of an AI-powered scribe tool. Here's a glimpse into their journey and how this technology has impacted their practice, especially when dealing with complex cases like children on the autism spectrum or those with special needs.

What was his main Challenge??

Before implementing the AI scribe, this pediatrician faced a familiar challenge: time.

Each patient visit was followed by extensive documentation that often spilled over into personal hours.

For complex cases, such as children requiring specialized care, the documentation process could take over an hour per visit. This workload not only affected their work-life balance but also created a backlog of unfinished notes which were mostly completed from home.

The pediatrician's main goals were clear:

• Reduce documentation time.
• Increase time for patient care during visits.
• Avoid bringing work home.

How was this Resolved??

The AI scribe was introduced as a dictation tool primarily used after the patient left the office. With minimal training required —just one hour— the tool was quickly integrated into their workflow. It proved especially valuable for creating notes for complex cases, where accuracy, organization, and consistency were critical.

Key results:

• Speed: SOAP notes were generated in 1 to 5 seconds, significantly reducing time spent on documentation.
• Accuracy: Notes were rated as better in accuracy, organization, and consistency compared to those created manually.
• Special Cases: For autism spectrum and special needs visits, the tool drastically cut down documentation time, turning hours of effort into minutes.

Were there any considerable Impacts worth noting???

Yes.

While some aspects of the workflow remained the same—such as consultation times—the pediatrician noticed immediate benefits:

• Saved Time: Each day, administrative tasks were completed more efficiently, saving at least 45 seconds per patient. While it might sound small, this adds up across a busy schedule.
• Improved Punctuality: They were able to stay more on time for each visit, ensuring smoother clinic operations.
• Better Use of Time: With the time saved, they could focus more on preventative care during visits and potentially see more patients.

What could be Improved up on??

Despite the positive impact, there’s always room for improvement. The pediatrician expressed interest in exploring additional templates tailored to specific medical issues. This feedback highlights the potential for further customization to meet unique practice needs.

For healthcare professionals navigating the growing administrative demands of your practice, AI scribes offer a way to reclaim valuable time. This pediatrician’s experience is a testament to the practical benefits of these tools, especially in handling complex and time-intensive cases.

What do you think? Could AI scribing transform your clinical operations? I'll be happy to hear/read your thoughts or experiences in the comments!