Ambient Digital Scribes for Patient and Clinician Satisfaction

Overseen By Kathryn I Pollak, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Duke University

Disqualifiers: Non-English speakers, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests Ambient Digital Scribes, a tool that uses AI to automatically record patient visits and create clinical notes. The study aims to determine if these scribes improve patient satisfaction, reduce doctor stress, and enhance communication quality. Patients 18 or older who can speak and read English may qualify. As an unphased trial, this study allows patients to contribute to innovative research that could enhance healthcare experiences.

Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems unlikely that you would need to stop, as the study focuses on recording clinical encounters rather than medication use.

What prior data suggests that this method is safe for clinicians and patients?

Research has shown that Ambient Digital Scribes (ADS) are generally safe and easy to use. In one large healthcare system, over 7,000 doctors used AI scribes during more than 2.5 million patient visits in just 14 months, and no major safety issues emerged. Another study found that these scribes improved the patient experience and communication with doctors. By reducing the time doctors spend on paperwork, ADS can make visits more enjoyable for both patients and doctors. Overall, early findings suggest that ADS are a safe tool to enhance medical visits. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Ambient Digital Scribes because they have the potential to revolutionize how clinicians document patient encounters. Unlike traditional methods that rely on manual note-taking or transcription services, these digital scribes automatically capture and transcribe conversations during medical appointments. This innovative approach not only saves time but also allows healthcare providers to focus more on patient care, potentially improving both patient and clinician satisfaction. By reducing administrative burdens, Ambient Digital Scribes could lead to more efficient and enjoyable healthcare experiences.

What evidence suggests that Ambient Digital Scribes are effective for improving patient and clinician satisfaction?

Participants in this trial will use Ambient Digital Scribes, which studies have shown greatly enhance the experiences of both patients and doctors. After 2.5 million uses, these scribes saved 15,000 hours of doctors' time, reducing burnout and improving doctor-patient communication. Research shows that patients often feel more satisfied with their visits when these scribes are used. Additionally, doctors experience less stress and can focus more on quality conversations with their patients. This technology automatically takes notes during a visit, allowing doctors to interact more directly with their patients. ^{2 4 5 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for clinicians who regularly document clinical encounters and their patients. The study aims to include participants who are willing to have their consultations recorded and notes generated by AI technology. Specific eligibility criteria details were not provided.

Inclusion Criteria

Patient: able to speak and read English

Clinician: delivering care in a clinic in which Ambient Digital Scribes are being employed

Exclusion Criteria

Patient: unable to speak and read English

Clinician: not delivering care in a clinic in which Ambient Digital Scribes are being employed

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline Assessment

Clinicians audio record patient encounters to establish baseline communication metrics

2 weeks

4 patient encounters on two separate days

Intervention

Implementation of Ambient Digital Scribes to assess impact on clinician and patient satisfaction

8 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for patient-perceived empathy, patient satisfaction, and clinician burnout

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Ambient Digital Scribes

Trial Overview The intervention being tested is the use of Ambient Digital Scribes, an AI technology that records clinical encounters and automatically generates clinical notes, aiming to improve patient satisfaction, reduce clinician burnout, and enhance communication quality.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Study population - Clinicians and Patients Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Clinicians will audio record 4 patient encounters on two separate days each (240 encounters).

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Duke University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2,495

Recruited

5,912,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12513689/

Real-World Evidence Synthesis of Digital Scribes Using ... This framework guided assessment on how digital scribes influenced patient outcomes (eg, engagement and satisfaction), clinician outcomes (eg, ...

2. ama-assn.org ama-assn.org/practice-management/digital-health/ai-scribes-save-15000-hours-and-restore-human-side-medicine

AI scribes save 15000 hours—and restore the human side ... After 2.5 million uses in one year, The Permanente Medical Group's ambient AI scribes ease documentation burden, reduce burnout, and improve communication.

3. jamanetwork.com jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2839542

Use of Ambient AI Scribes to Reduce Administrative ... This quality improvement study examines whether ambient artificial intelligence (AI) scribes are associated with reductions in clinician ...

4. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06519123

Ambient Digital Scribes Populating Clinical Notes The investigators will assess patient outcomes, namely perceived empathy and patient satisfaction, and clinician burnout. The investigators also will code audio ...

5. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41746-025-01622-1

An evaluation framework for ambient digital scribing tools ... Ambient digital scribing (ADS) tools alleviate clinician documentation burden, reducing burnout and enhancing efficiency.

6. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949761225000999

Evaluating the Quality and Safety of Ambient Digital Scribe ... In this study, we assessed the accuracy, quality, and safety of ADS platforms in the ambulatory setting using simulated patient encounters.

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12460601/

navigating the uncharted risks of AI scribes in clinical practice One large healthcare system reported over 7000 physicians utilizing AI scribes in more than 2.5 million patient encounters over just 14 months.