For decades, the traditional interaction between a doctor and patient in the office setting requires the provider to take notes or look away from the patient to enter information into a computer to document the visit. Now, new technology is helping shift that focus to give patients more meaningful, face-to-face time with their care providers.

UNC Health Southeastern has joined a UNC Health initiative using Artificial Intelligence (AI), powered by Epic, to document information. With patient consent, providers can use a secure app on their phone to record a conversation. AI then securely drafts the clinical portions of that visit directly into the medical record, capturing important details for diagnosis and treatment.

According to UNC Health Southeastern Chief Medical Officer Joseph Roberts, MD, the program is unique to UNC Health Southeastern in the region.

“The AI tool sits quietly on the counter, almost like it’s not even there,” said Orthopedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine Specialist James Slauterbeck, MD, of UNC Health Orthopedics at Southeastern Health Park. “While the doctor talks with the patient, the AI listens, and documents everything that’s said. It works in real-time, which means the draft note is ready for the physician to review as soon as the visit ends.”

The AI tool can translate from 28 different languages, which helps non-English speaking patients communicate with their care providers. The provider still reviews, edits, and approves the final notes from the AI tool. Using this technology has improved both engagement, accuracy and care coordination.

UNC Health Southeastern has trained around 60 providers on the new technology, with more scheduled as the program expands. While not initially designed for emergency settings, providers are seeing positive results during pilot testing.

“So far, we’ve seen our emergency department satisfaction scores increase because the provider can talk directly to the patient, giving their undivided attention, versus the quick in and out to write notes while the interaction is fresh on their minds,” said UNC Health Southeastern President and CEO Chris Ellington. “This results in more comprehensive information, which informs the overall care spectrum and improves the quality of care for patients in our community.”

Patients can ask their provider to learn more about how this AI technology is enhancing care and communication. To learn more about UNC Health Southeastern’s services and innovations, visit UNCHealthSoutheastern.org.