Less typing, more focus on patient care

Running a practice means continually looking for improvements that benefit patients, staff and physicians.

To help spread the word about good ideas, we’re asking Ontario doctors to share one operational change that has meaningfully improved their day-to-day work.

This week, we speak to Dr. Artur Gevorgyan, an otolaryngologist–head and neck surgeon at Lakeridge Health Oshawa. He describes how implementing an AI scribe in his practice has improved his workflow, patient care and well-being.

What one operational change has made an impact on your practice?

From a clinical perspective, it’s AI scribes. 

I used to type a lot while seeing the patient. Now I can look at the patient. I can talk to the patient. And the AI scribe provides peace of mind that everything is documented.

What problem were you trying to solve?

I document contemporaneously, so the moment I exit that room, the note is finished. 

But I realized I was getting annoyed with typing, because it was taking a long time. That's when I switched – first to dictation, and that was immensely helpful. And then when AI scribes came, it got much better.

What difference has the change made?

The AI scribe is helping me be more accurate and precise, and it gives me a mental break. I know if an extra issue comes up during a visit, I can easily address it with no worry that it's more documentation.

So, it's made it much easier for me, and I do strongly believe it's very beneficial for patients. You can address three issues concurrently, probably spend a little bit more extra time, rather than book a follow up.

What advice would you give another physician considering a change?

I would encourage them to just go for it. Don't get stuck in decision paralysis. Pick an option, get a colleague to show you what works. Give that a try. Otherwise, you'll be on the fence forever.