Should you choose AI or human medical scribes? AxiScribe leverages both to improve efficiency and accuracy in patient charting while reducing costs.
In recent years, medical scribes in healthcare settings have become increasingly common. A medical scribe is a trained professional who assists physicians by documenting medical encounters in real time. The scribe’s role is to enter data into the electronic medical record (EMR), freeing the physician to focus on patient care. However, with the surge of artificial intelligence (AI) news in the headlines recently, like with ChatGPT, some are questioning whether human medical scribes are necessary. In this blog post, we will evaluate the differences between AI and human medical scribes and compare the benefits and drawbacks of each.
First, let’s make clear what medical scribes do. Generally, a medical scribe is responsible for entering patient data into the EMR, including the patient’s medical history, chief complaint, and the physician’s assessment and plan. The scribe may also assist with order entry, coding, and billing tasks. By taking over these administrative tasks, the scribe enables the doctor or nurse to spend more time with the patient and focus on providing high-quality care.
Now let’s consider how AI technology enables physicians to perform these tasks. One example of AI technology in healthcare is natural language processing (NLP). NLP is a form of machine learning that allows computers to understand human language. Using NLP, AI can analyze a patient’s medical history, identify essential information, and enter it into the EMR in real time.
One of the key benefits of AI technology is speed. AI can process information much faster than a human scribe, meaning it can quickly enter data into the EMR. This can be especially useful in emergencies, where time is of the essence. AI can also work 24/7 without taking breaks or vacations or sick days, potentially increasing efficiency and productivity in healthcare settings.
However, there are also some obstacles to relying solely on AI technology in healthcare. One potential issue is accuracy. While AI is highly advanced, it is not infallible. There is always a risk of errors, especially when interpreting language. Additionally, AI does not have the same level of judgment and intuition as a human scribe. A human scribe can recognize when a physician has made an error or omitted important information and can bring it to the physician’s attention. AI cannot do this on its own.
Another drawback to relying on AI is the potential for bias. Machine learning algorithms are only as unbiased as the data they are trained on. If the data contains biases, those biases will be reflected in the AI’s output. This can have severe implications for healthcare, where accurate and unbiased data is critical for making informed decisions.
Now let’s consider the benefits and drawbacks of human medical scribes. One of the main benefits of using human scribes is their ability to recognize and correct errors. A human scribe can use their judgment and intuition to identify mistakes in the medical record, which can help prevent medical errors and improve patient outcomes. Additionally, human scribes can communicate directly with physicians and other healthcare team members, which can help facilitate coordination and collaboration.
Another benefit of using human scribes is their ability to adapt to different situations. Human scribes can pick up on nonverbal cues from patients and physicians, which can help them understand the context of the encounter. They can also ask follow-up questions to clarify information and ensure the medical record is accurate and complete.
There are limitations to consider when using human scribes. One potential issue is the cost. Human scribes require training and ongoing education, and their employers must pay them a salary. This can be a significant expense for healthcare organizations, especially in the current economic climate.
Another potential drawback is the possibility for human error. While professional human scribes are highly trained, they are still human and can make mistakes. For example, a scribe might misinterpret a physician’s handwriting or miss essential details in a medical encounter. This can lead to errors in the medical record, which can have severe consequences for patient care.
Another issue with human scribes is their availability. Healthcare organizations may struggle to find enough qualified scribes to meet demand, especially in areas with high patient volumes. This can lead to medical documentation delays and burnout among physicians who must spend more time on administrative tasks.
So, how do AI and human medical scribes compare? Ultimately, the answer depends on the specific needs of the healthcare organization. AI may be more efficient and cost-effective, but it may not be as accurate or adaptable as a human scribe. On the other hand, human scribes may be more reliable and flexible, but they may also be more expensive and less available.
One potential solution is to use a hybrid approach that combines the strengths of both AI and human scribes. For example, medical scribe companies, like Athreon, that use AI technology to generate draft narratives of patient encounters with asynchronous human scribes that review and edit the data output can harness the benefits of both modalities. Leveraging AI technology that is quality-controlled by human scribes is an approach that helps promote efficiency and accuracy while also reducing costs.
Choosing between AI and human medical scribes requires careful consideration of a healthcare organization’s unique needs and goals. While both options have their strengths and weaknesses, a hybrid solution that combines the benefits of both AI and human scribes may be the best option.
If you are ready to improve your medical documentation process, consider contacting Athreon about its AxiScribe medical scribing solution. AxiScribe leverages AI technology monitored by human scribes to maximize the benefits of both human scribes and AI technology. AxiScribe improves efficiency and accuracy while reducing costs. Contact Athreon today to learn how AxiScribe can benefit your healthcare organization.