A new national survey reveals that most Americans are comfortable with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare settings, though some concerns remain. The study, conducted by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, sheds light on public perception as healthcare providers increasingly adopt AI technologies to improve patient care and streamline operations.
Americans Embrace AI’s Potential in Healthcare
The survey of 1,006 people across the United States found broad support for AI applications in healthcare:
– 75% believe using AI to minimize human errors is important
– 71% would like AI to reduce wait times
– 70% are comfortable with AI taking notes during appointments
– 66% believe AI should improve work-life balance for healthcare providers
These findings suggest a growing acceptance of AI’s role in enhancing healthcare delivery and outcomes. However, the survey also revealed that 56% of respondents still find AI in healthcare “a little scary,” while 70% express concerns about data privacy.
Dr. Ravi Tripathi, chief health information officer at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, acknowledges these concerns: “I know patients are concerned about the privacy and the security of their data, but we hold the artificial intelligence and this technology to the same standards that we hold our electronic medical record.”
Ohio State Pilots AI-Powered Documentation System
To address some of the issues highlighted in the survey, Ohio State Wexner Medical Center recently piloted the Microsoft Dragon Ambient eXperience (DAX) Copilot application. This AI-powered system uses conversational and ambient AI to securely listen to provider-patient visits and draft clinical notes in the patient’s electronic medical record.
The pilot program, which ran from mid-January to mid-March 2024, involved 24 physicians and advanced practice providers across primary care, cardiology, and obstetrics and gynecology. Dr. Tripathi reported encouraging results:
“We found it saved up to four minutes per visit. That’s time the physician can use to connect with the patient, do education and make sure they understand the plan going forward,” he explained. “Overall, 80% completed the pilot. In fact, we allowed them to keep using the AI solution afterward because it had significantly impacted their practices in the eight weeks of testing.”
Why it matters: As healthcare systems face increasing demands and physician burnout, AI technologies like the DAX Copilot could significantly improve both patient care and provider satisfaction. By reducing administrative burdens, these tools allow healthcare professionals to focus more on patient interaction and clinical decision-making.
Dr. Harrison Jackson, an internist who participated in the pilot, shared his experience: “I’m spending as much if not more time with each patient, and it’s higher quality time with more eye contact. I often mention aspects of a physical exam out loud for the AI program to capture, and it prompts a good conversation with my patient.”
Following the successful pilot, Ohio State expanded ambient documentation access to all providers in outpatient settings on July 1. Early results are promising, with 100 clinicians regaining 64 hours of time in the first two weeks of expanded use. Additionally, patient satisfaction scores have improved, with many reporting more valuable conversations with their physicians.
As healthcare systems continue to explore AI applications, studies like this one from Ohio State provide valuable insights into public perception and the potential benefits of these technologies. While concerns about privacy and data security remain, the overall positive reception suggests that AI could play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of healthcare delivery.
