The SOAR Trial: Ambient Artificial Intelligence Scribe Using Voa Health to Generate Medical Documentation from Outpatient Visit Audio - A Randomized Controlled Trial

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate whether using an ambient artificial intelligence (AI) scribe called Voa Health can reduce documentation workload and improve physician well-being and patient experience in outpatient clinics. The study compares usual documentation methods with documentation assisted by the AI scribe. The trial is randomized and conducted in multiple outpatient clinics across various medical specialties. The AI scribe records the audio of consultations and generates a draft clinical note using specialty-specific templates that match the clinic's workflow. Physicians then review, edit, and sign this draft in the electronic medical record. In the control group, physicians document visits using their usual methods without AI support, though audio may still be recorded for study purposes. After each visit, both physicians and patients complete brief questionnaires about workload, well-being, communication, empathy, and satisfaction. Participants will have their consultations audio recorded and complete questionnaires immediately after visits. Physicians' documentation workload, professional fulfillment, burnout, and note quality are measured, along with patient-reported experience and satisfaction. Additional monitoring includes timing for documentation and any AI-related errors. Data are securely stored, and an independent committee monitors safety and protocol adherence. The study will provide insight into the practical use and impact of ambient AI scribes in real-world outpatient care.

Ambient AI Scribe (Voa Health) in Outpatient Clinics: Draft Notes, Documentation Burden, and Well-Being