The Hidden Costs of Ambient AI in GP Consultations
As a GP and clinical digital leader, I’ve passionately advocated for ambient AI scribing technology—but my experience has led me to rethink its impact profoundly. Here’s a summary of key insights:
- Initial Appeal: The technology promised reduced clinician burnout and time saved on documentation, allowing for deeper patient interactions.
- Unexpected Outcomes: Over time, my consultations expanded, as I offloaded the cognitive burden of clinical curation. The notes became less personal and, troublingly, I found my voice absent in the documentation.
- Cognitive Loss: By outsourcing the act of note-taking, I degraded my clinical reasoning—a cognitive process crucial in delivering effective patient care.
This experience serves as a cautionary tale for our profession. The consultation is more than just words on a page; it shapes our understanding and connection with our patients.
Let’s engage in this important dialogue—how can we balance the benefits of AI while preserving the essence of our consultations? Share your thoughts below! 👇
