Tampa General Hospital Implements Groundbreaking AI for Nursing Efficiency

Tampa General Hospital (TGH) has made a significant stride in enhancing nursing efficiency and patient care by introducing Microsoft's ambient listening technology tailored for nurses. This innovative solution is now integrated into Epic's Rover mobile application, specifically designed to lessen the administrative tasks that nurses encounter daily. Research has indicated that nurses can spend up to 15 percent of their shifts on documentation alone, which often detracts from their patient interaction time.

Transforming Nursing Roles with AI

The incorporation of ambient listening technology into nurses' workflows aims to optimize their roles by allowing them to focus more on patient care rather than paperwork. As Wendi Goodson-Celerin, the executive vice president and chief nursing executive at Tampa General, states, "Microsoft's ambient listening technology can give nurses back hours of time per shift that they'd ordinarily spend manually entering data into a computer." This newfound efficiency allows nursing professionals to investir in direct patient care, training less experienced nurses, and refining their craft, which are the core aspects of their responsibilities that require personal engagement.

Carlysa Telemaque, a nurse at TGH, is among the first to use this AI-enhanced tool, demonstrating its real-world application in the field. By capturing comprehensive patient stories, including symptoms and observations, the technology effortlessly converts verbal information into clinical summaries in real-time. This innovation not only streamlines documentation but also reinforces the quality of care by ensuring that nurses have immediate access to vital patient information.

Driving Meaningful Impact

Amit Patel, the chief nursing informatics officer at Tampa General, echoes the philosophy driving this initiative: addressing real-world nursing challenges with practical technology. The ambient listening capabilities are akin to the DAX Copilot technology, which has already been successfully adopted by over 500 physicians at TGH since June 2024. This roll-out represents a continuous effort by Tampa General to leverage AI and improve job satisfaction for its nurses by enabling them to reclaim precious time spent on administrative duties.

The target of this deployment extends beyond simple time-saving. Tampa General intends to enhance care coordination within nursing teams while augmenting their ability to concentrate on direct patient care. The hospital is focused on closing the documentation gaps that have historically disrupted the continuity of care processes, ultimately leading to better outcomes for patients.

Tampa General's Commitment to Innovation

In its pursuit of excellence, Tampa General Hospital has positioned itself as a leader in healthcare, recognized for its innovative solutions and comprehensive care services. With a bed capacity of 1,529, it is one of the largest hospitals in America and has earned a top rank in U.S. News & World Report's 2024-2025 Best Hospitals list.

This commitment to advancement is reflected in its strategic investments in digital health tools and technologies. As the first hospital in Florida to set up a clinical command center for real-time operational awareness, Tampa General is not only improving the efficiency of its current systems but also paving the way for future improvements in healthcare delivery.

The use of AI-powered tools is expected to facilitate better staff engagement, which has been crucial in maintaining a high standard of care. Tampa General's dedication to fostering an empowering environment for its employees is underscored by multiple accolades from Forbes, being recognized among America's Best Large Employers and for Women.

A Vision for the Future

As Tampa General Hospital continues rolling out its ambient listening technology, the institution is dedicated to maintaining its reputation as a safety-net hospital, providing care irrespective of financial capabilities. Last fiscal year, the hospital's net community benefit totaled approximately $301.8 million, underscoring its commitment to serving the Tampa Bay community.

Looking ahead, Tampa General aims to remain at the forefront of healthcare innovation, positively impacting both its patients and the professionals dedicated to their care. With the integration of this ambient listening technology, TGH reinforces its promise to provide exceptional, patient-centered care, while also investing in the development and satisfaction of its nursing team.