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BayCare Health System Introduces AI-Assisted Voice Technology for Nurses

In an innovative move to alleviate the workload of nurses, BayCare Health System has commenced a pilot program utilizing artificial-intelligence-assisted voice technology. This initiative aims to transform the clinical documentation process for nurses, enhancing their ability to provide quality patient care, particularly in bedside settings.

Launched at St. Anthony's Hospital in St. Petersburg, the project employs the Aiva Health Nurse Assistant to support nurses in documenting clinical assessments and retrieving essential patient information. The integration of voice technology in health care indicates BayCare's commitment to leveraging modern solutions for improved patient interactions and support for its medical workforce.

Stephanie Conners, BayCare's president and CEO, expressed enthusiasm about the project: “We are excited to be at the forefront of how technology can improve health care, not just for patients, but also for those nurses and team members delivering care.” This sentiment reflects the organization's dedication not only to advancing healthcare technology but also to enhancing the working conditions of its clinical staff.

Currently, BayCare's nurses already benefit from AI-assisted software designed for physicians’ use in outpatient settings. However, the challenges within hospital environments differ notably, as multiple providers interact with patients throughout their stay, making timely and accurate assessments crucial for ongoing care.

According to Nicole Gitney, BayCare's vice president for nursing informatics, “Bringing voice-enabled artificial intelligence to the bedside will not only save nurses' time but also has the potential to improve the efficiency and efficacy of patient care.” The introduction of this technology aims to reduce the cognitive overload that nurses often face, ultimately enhancing job satisfaction and enabling them to focus on improving patient outcomes.

The pilot project, which began in December, features a select group of team members utilizing the Aiva Health app on BayCare-issued iPhones to access electronic health records and document clinical updates via voice commands. The system also allows for real-time verification of transcribed information, ensuring accuracy before it’s officially included in a patient's medical record.

“Using this voice technology is a game changer for everyone in health care,” stated Liza Redmond, a nurse manager at St. Anthony's Hospital participating in the pilot. This feedback highlights the significant potential for such technology to facilitate an easier documentation process, allowing nurses to chart patient information directly from the bedside, thus minimizing the need to transport equipment between rooms.

The collaboration with technology developers presents an opportunity for BayCare and its staff to contribute to the refinement of voice technology's functionality, ensuring it meets the practical needs of the healthcare environment. By doing so, BayCare is not only investing in technological advancements but also taking proactive steps in reducing the burden faced by nurses while improving care delivery.

About BayCare: As a leading not-for-profit health care system, BayCare connects patients and families to a wide range of services across 16 hospitals and numerous other locations throughout the Tampa Bay and Central Florida regions. Committed to delivering high-quality care, BayCare is the largest provider of behavioral health and pediatric services in West Central Florida. Their diverse network includes laboratory services, imaging, surgical centers, urgent care facilities, and a prominent home care agency.

About Aiva: Aiva's AI-powered Nurse Assistant supports nurses in real-time charting through voice commands, significantly saving time and making critical data readily available for clinical decision-making. With integration into existing hospital systems, Aiva is transforming patient care in over 10,000 rooms across the U.S. and Canada.

In conclusion, BayCare's pilot program for AI-assisted voice technology marks a significant step forward in the healthcare sector, illustrating a proactive approach to integrating technology that enhances operational efficiency while prioritizing patient care and staff satisfaction.