The impact of nuance DAX ambient listening AI documentation: a cohort study

Abstract

Abstract Objective To assess the impact of the use of an ambient listening/digital scribing solution (Nuance Dragon Ambient eXperience (DAX)) on caregiver engagement, time spent on Electronic Health Record (EHR) including time after hours, productivity, attributed panel size for value-based care providers, documentation timeliness, and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) submissions. Materials and Methods We performed a peer-matched controlled cohort study from March to September 2022 to evaluate the impact of DAX in outpatient clinics in an integrated healthcare system. Primary outcome measurements included provider engagement survey results, reported patient safety events related to DAX use, patients’ Likelihood to Recommend score, number of patients opting out of ambient listening, change in work relative values units, attributed value-based primary care panel size, documentation completion and CPT code submission deficiency rates, and note turnaround time. Results A total of 99 providers representing 12 specialties enrolled in the study; 76 matched control group providers were included for analysis. Median utilization of DAX was 47% among active participants. We found positive trends in provider engagement, while non-participants saw worsening engagement and no practical change in productivity. There was a statistically significant worsening of after-hours EHR. There was no quantifiable effect on patient safety. Discussion Nuance DAX use showed positive trends in provider engagement at no risk to patient safety, experience, or clinical documentation. There were no significant benefits to patient experience, documentation, or measures of provider productivity. Conclusion Our results highlight the potential of ambient dictation as a tool for improving the provider experience. Head-to-head comparisons of EHR documentation efficiency training are needed.