Less Typing, More Talking: Our Continued Commitment to Person Centered Care
Griffin Hospital and Griffin Faculty Physicians is committed to the core philosophy of removing the cold, transactional nature of provider encounters, encouraging patients and their family members to work alongside providers, and address healthcare needs of the whole person. To do this, we must prioritize the ability of each provider to focus on their patient instead of a computer screen.
As part of this commitment, Griffin Hospital and Griffin Faculty Physicians utilizes an ambient listening technology to help your care team document visits more efficiently and accurately. Our ambient clinical documentation tool securely captures and transcribes conversations during your encounter, allowing providers to focus on you, rather than on typing or paperwork.
What Is ambient clinical documentation?
Ambient clinical documentation is a process where secure technology listens and transcribes your conversation with your care team during an encounter. This information is then used by the clinician to help create an accurate medical note for your health record. The clinician is still the author of the note, still reviews the note, and still signs the note. Only a note that is authored, reviewed and signed by a provider is maintained as part of a patient’s medical record.
How does it work?
With your knowledge and consent, the ambient listening is utilized during the patient encounter and processed by secure technology that transcribes and summarizes the information.
Your provider may review the information and utilize it to create and finalize the clinical note before it is signed and added to your medical record.
No recording is maintained. No one can listen to your conversation — only your authorized care team the provider would have access the transcription and summary to utilize when creating the medical encounter note that they create, review and signed. It is only this signed record that is maintained as part of the medical record.
The transcription and summary is only available to the provider for a short period of time. It is not maintained as part of the medical record.
What are the benefits?
Better focus: Your provider can spend more time listening and talking with you, and less time on the computer.
Accurate records: Important details from your visit are captured and included in your medical record.
Timely care: Notes are completed quickly, which can help your care team coordinate your care.
Your privacy is important
The transcription and summary is only accessible to the provider who utilized the ambient listening technology for a short period of time. Essentially, the transcription and summary is available to the provider to utilize when they are creating, editing and finalizing the encounter note.
The transcription and summary is only accessible for a short period of time. The transcription and summary is cannot be accessed outside of the short retention period. It may also be discarded prior to the expiration of the retention period.
The transcription and the summary is not considered part of the medical record, and cannot be provided to a patient.
All information is HIPAA-compliant, and it’s protected according to Griffin Health’s strict privacy and security standards.
Participation is always your choice.
What to expect during your visit
In addition to being informed about the use of this technology during the registration process, your provider will disclose to you the use of the ambient listening tool and obtain your permission before utilizing the ambient listening tool. If you do not wish to participate, simply let your provider know.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose not to participate?
Yes. Ambient listening technology is a tool available to providers to provide you with the best care possible, however, you can ask your provider not to utilize this technology at any time.
Is my information secure?
Yes. Your privacy is protected by strict security measures. Only the provider who utilized the ambient listening tool would be able to access the transcription and summary, and only during the short retention period.
Does anyone else review the transcription or summary?
No. Only the provider who utilized the ambient listening tool would be able to access the transcription and summary, and only during the short retention period.
Will this change my care?
The goal is to provide you with a more patient centered experience where the provider is focused on you, in that moment, as opposed to a computer screen. The use of this technology does not change your care, but it will helps your care team spend more time with you. Your care will not be affected if you choose not to participate.
Questions?
If you have questions or concerns about ambient technology or your privacy, please speak with your care team.
Griffin Health is committed to protecting your privacy and using technology to provide the best possible care for you and your family.