Automated scribes for use in emergency departments
The problem
Emergency departments across Canada continue to face staffing shortages and increasing patient volumes. The surge in demand for services is outpacing resources, placing intense stress on health care providers. As physicians adapt to the integration of electronic medical records (EMRs), many are spending more time on documentation and less time interacting with patients. This contributes to physician burnout, attrition, disrupted work-life balance, and a perceived loss of professional autonomy. Human scribes might offer some relief for physicians, but their high cost makes them inaccessible for most health care organizations.
The solution
This initiative will focus on refining and deploying ‘Jenkins,’ a scribe tool powered by artificial intelligence, through rigorous implementation and evaluation studies in three emergency departments. Pilot tests at a regional emergency department point to enhanced job satisfaction and efficiency among early adopters. This initiative aims to empower physicians with AI assistance, reducing time spent on administrative tasks and increasing time for direct patient care.
"In a strained health care system we are constantly asked for more - Can you work another shift? Can you see another patient? Can you find another bed? AI scribing represents a future where something can finally come off our plate instead."
The innovators
The University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alta. is a global leader in research and innovation, with significant contributions in fields such as energy, health, artificial intelligence and environmental sustainability. The team for this project is led by Dr. Jake Hayward, an emergency physician and assistant clinical professor.
This is a collaboration with Alberta Health Services, Alberta’s integrated health system that is responsible for delivering health services to more than 4.5 million people.