If, as a citizen, you knew every phone call you made was being recorded, analyzed and stored using artificial intelligence by your government, would it change what you say on the phone?
Of course, it would.
So if, as a physician, every word of your conversation with a patient was being recorded, analyzed and stored using AI-enhanced “digital scribe” software controlled by your healthcare employer, would it change your evaluation of the patient?
You bet it would.
There is a good chance when this next iteration of EHR enhancements hits the shelves, we will see a dramatic increase in the practice of defensive medicine, one which will be subsequently reflected in increased healthcare costs.
Also, it’s technology so invasive, it could result in a physician exodus, worsening an already accelerating physician shortage.
We should be very wary about putting this type of AI monitoring in the room.