Artificial intelligence in healthcare is reshaping how doctors manage administrative work and engage with patients. A recent survey covered by The Medical Republic sheds light on the impact of Lyrebird, an AI-powered transcription tool, trialled by Australian GPs. Findings indicate that while AI transcription might not significantly reduce work hours, it does allow doctors to focus more on patient-centred care—a priority also championed by EchoHealth Hub. With AI-enabled tools, GPs are finding new ways to manage documentation and provide quality interactions that benefit patient outcomes.
The initial survey, reported by The Medical Republic in August, showed that 90% of GPs estimated saving one to two minutes per consult by using Lyrebird, with around half of the participants saying they would use the extra time for more engaged patient discussions. A smaller proportion indicated they’d try to see the same number of patients in less time. However, the follow-up study presented by Dr Hamish Meldrum at the ACRRM and RDAA conference revealed that 18 of the 52 GPs chose to continue with Lyrebird, primarily to focus on enhancing patient interactions.
In line with these findings, EchoHealth Hub goes beyond simple transcription. Its comprehensive capabilities, from summarising medical language in patient-friendly terms to creating actionable reminders, help clinicians engage patients meaningfully. This patient-centred approach is aligned with the outcomes noted by The Medical Republic, highlighting AI as a tool for improving the quality of healthcare interactions.
A GP response to The Medical Republic survey noted, "It’s not about seeing more patients; it’s about better quality care." This perspective mirrors EchoHealth Hub’s mission to facilitate more accessible patient communications. By generating summaries, adjusting language for health literacy, and providing reminders, EchoHealth Hub allows GPs to communicate more effectively, ultimately supporting patient adherence and improving outcomes.
Doctors who continued using AI transcription tools also developed techniques for maximising efficiency and enhancing transcription accuracy. Here are some strategies to get the most from your AI scribe, which EchoHealth Hub also incorporates to improve GP workflows:
Audio Input Quality:
Avoid built-in webcam microphones, which can compromise clarity. Instead, use a dedicated omni-directional microphone positioned to capture conversations without interference, a standard supported by EchoHealth Hub for maximum transcription accuracy, especially for complex medical terminology.
Customisation for Clinical Needs:
Customisation is essential to tailor the AI experience to specific patient consultations. For instance, EchoHealth Hub offers customisaton for various scenarios.
Manage Expectations and Focus on Workflow:
The time saved varies depending on clinical habits, but even minor gains in efficiency can significantly improve patient experience. EchoHealth Hub recognises this, allowing GPs to review and adjust their workflows as needed to accommodate patient-centred consults.
Guard Against Automation Bias:
AI technology is evolving but not flawless. EchoHealth Hub emphasises accuracy through integrated proofing steps, ensuring that GPs retain full control of the final record to avoid over-reliance on automation and maintain high-quality, safe clinical documentation.
EchoHealth Hub and AI transcription tools like Lyrebird illustrate the potential for AI to redefine patient interactions in healthcare. Dr Meldrum's survey findings echo EchoHealth Hub’s mission: AI can free up time not to shorten workdays but to enhance the patient experience, making room for clear, empathetic communication that prioritises patients’ understanding and engagement in their care. For those who want to delve deeper, The Medical Republic article https://www.medicalrepublic.com.au/docs-using-ai-spent-just-as-much-time-with-patients/111950 offers a detailed look at these findings and insights.