Meet your doctor’s new assistant — AI

As technology continues to advance, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the medical field is becoming more prevalent. Doctors are increasingly turning to patient-facing AI tools, such as AI scribes, to streamline administrative tasks and improve efficiency in patient care.

One such AI tool currently in use in Alberta is the medical scribe, which records patient-doctor consultations and generates a written summary. This tool has been piloted in several Alberta hospitals, with about 15 emergency physicians using it to document patient visits. Developed by Alberta Health Services (AHS) in collaboration with the University of Alberta and the Canadian Medical Association, the AI scribe aims to address concerns about patient data privacy by keeping all data within AHS servers.

While the use of AI scribes has been shown to reduce physician administrative duties and improve work-life balance, there are still concerns about the accuracy of AI-generated notes and the need for informed consent from patients. Physicians using the AI scribe are required to review the generated summary for accuracy before incorporating it into the patient’s medical chart. Patients must also provide consent before the AI scribe can be used during their consultation.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta has issued guidance on the use of AI tools in medical practice, emphasizing the importance of informed consent and patient awareness of potential risks. However, questions remain about how to effectively communicate these risks to patients and ensure that AI-generated notes are accurate and reliable.

In addition to AI scribes, other AI tools are being developed and implemented in Alberta, with funding from Alberta Innovates for research and development in health care AI. These tools aim to improve efficiency in health care delivery, from suggesting treatment options to predicting opioid overdoses.

As the use of AI in health care continues to grow, building trust in AI tools and ensuring regulatory clarity will be essential. While AI has the potential to revolutionize medical practice and improve patient outcomes, it is important to address concerns about data privacy, accuracy, and informed consent. By approaching the development and implementation of AI tools thoughtfully and responsibly, the medical community can harness the full potential of AI to enhance patient care and improve health outcomes.