Patient Attitudes Toward Ambient Voice Technology: Preimplementation Patient Survey in an Academic Medical Center

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
• Patient Experience Research

Background:

• Healthcare institutions are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) scribe systems for electronic health record (EHR) documentation.
• A preimplementation survey was conducted at UC Davis Health to understand patient perceptions of AI scribe technology.
• The study aimed to inform a patient-centered approach to implementing AI scribe systems in clinical settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess patient perceptions of current clinician EHR documentation practices.
• To gauge patient preconceptions and anticipated responses to the introduction of an AI scribe.
• To gather insights for a patient-centered implementation strategy for AI scribe technology.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive preimplementation survey was administered to patients aged 18 years and older with recent clinic visits.
• A convenience sample was recruited via email postvisit survey, collecting demographic data and patient perceptions.
• Data analysis involved collating rating scales and open-ended comments to understand patient views on AI scribe integration.

Main Results:

• A significant portion of patients (48%) responded favorably to the idea of an AI scribe, anticipating improved clinician-patient interaction.
• Patient frustrations with current EHR documentation included physicians focusing too much on typing (23%).
• Key concerns regarding AI scribes centered on documentation accuracy (39%) and privacy (15%), with a strong emphasis on the importance of pre-visit education and consent.

Conclusions:

• Patients generally show openness to AI scribe systems for EHR documentation, viewing it as a means to enhance clinician focus on patient interaction.
• Providing comprehensive patient education and obtaining explicit consent are crucial for fostering trust and acceptance of AI scribe technology.
• The study's findings should be interpreted with caution due to a low response rate and a non-representative patient sample profile.