Emory Doctors Find Relief from Burnout with AI-Powered Transcription
ATLANTA – Emory University doctors are leveraging artificial intelligence to considerably reduce documentation burdens and combat rising rates of burnout,a pilot study reveals. The technology, provided by AI vendor Abridge, has led to a reported 30% increase in clinician well-being, allowing doctors to spend more time focused on patient care.
Healthcare providers nationwide face increasing pressure from extensive clerical work and documentation requirements. Nearly 50% of healthcare professionals experience burnout, frequently enough exacerbated by hours spent completing paperwork outside of patient visits. Emory clinicians participating in a 60-day trial of the AI transcription technology reported a marked advancement in their work-life balance and ability to engage with patients.
“Many reported that they were able to actually look at the patients and have more engagement during their visits, as opposed to feverishly typing on the computer,” said Dr. Rima Dbouk, who led the pilot study. “Many noted that they didn’t have to spend hours at home at night finishing up all of their documentation.Many who have said that this has been really life-changing technology.”
The triumphant pilot led to a system-wide contract with Abridge, and Emory doctors have been providing ongoing feedback to refine the technology over the past two years. Doctors emphasize that the AI is used with full patient consent and under clinician oversight.
“We ensure that there’s always clinician oversight into everything that we use that involves AI,” Dbouk stated.
The implementation of AI transcription is part of a broader effort to improve the healthcare experience for both providers and patients, allowing doctors to be more present and attentive during appointments. Dbouk is continuing to explore additional applications of AI within healthcare to further alleviate administrative burdens and improve clinician well-being.
“Even my children would say that I’m not stuck to the computer as much in the evenings and on weekends,” Dbouk added.
By Olivia Young, CBS News
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