Epic, a leader in healthcare software, has extended its partnership with Nuance Communications, a Microsoft subsidiary specializing in AI and cloud-based services. This expansion includes the integration of Nuance’s Dragon Ambient eXperience Express (DAX Express) into Epic’s electronic health record (EHR) system.
DAX Express: Combining AI Technology and Clinical Documentation
DAX Express is a unique application that merges Nuance’s proven conversational and ambient AI with OpenAI’s advanced GPT-4 model, delivered via the Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service. The integration of DAX Express into Epic will serve as a co-pilot for Dragon Medical users, helping to manage administrative tasks and thereby reduce burnout. By enabling automatic drafting of EHR notes from the exam room or through telehealth encounters, DAX Express promises to revolutionize clinical documentation, freeing up time for clinicians to focus on patient care.
Provider and Patient Benefits
According to Josh Wilda, Chief Digital and Information Officer at the University of Michigan Health-West, the use of DAX Express will provide a transformative shift in healthcare delivery. DAX’s ambient AI capabilities have already demonstrated significant improvements in provider-patient interactions, and the introduction of generative AI is expected to yield even better outcomes.
The use of DAX has proven to be beneficial for healthcare providers, with reported improvements in work-life balance and reductions in feelings of burnout. Clinicians have also reported time savings of about seven minutes per encounter, enabling them to schedule additional appointments.
Game-Changing Impression
The impressions of DAX among clinicians have been overwhelmingly positive, with many describing it as a game-changer. Hal Baker, Chief Digital and Information Officer at WellSpan Health, anticipates that the integration of DAX Express for Epic will enhance this sentiment. The ability to generate notes within seconds, as opposed to hours, could significantly improve operational efficiency and allow clinicians to devote more attention to patient care.
Compliance and Availability
DAX Express is developed with a strong focus on data security and privacy, and it is considered HIPAA compliant. The application will be available to existing users of DAX and as an add-on for Dragon Medical One customers. It is set for private preview in the Summer through Fall, reflecting Nuance’s commitment to producing trustworthy and safe AI products.
