A Case Study on Time Saved Using Healthnotes

By Healthnotes - August 26, 2024

Are you a healthcare provider struggling to balance quality patient care with the demands of documentation? Do you find yourself spending more time on paperwork than with patients? Are your patients growing frustrated with long wait times and rushed appointments?

These are common challenges in today's healthcare landscape, where the pressure to maintain detailed records often conflicts with the desire to provide personalized care. But what if there was a way to significantly reduce the time spent on administrative tasks without compromising on the quality of patient care?

In this case study, we'll explore how Healthnotes, an innovative AI virtual assistant telehealth platform, is addressing these pain points and transforming the healthcare experience for both providers and patients.

The Challenge: Time Constraints in Healthcare

Before discussing the solution, let's examine the scope of the problem:

• Healthcare providers spend an average of 16 minutes per patient visit on electronic health records (EHRs) and desk work.
• Physicians report spending up to two hours on administrative tasks for every hour of direct patient care.
• Long wait times and rushed appointments lead to decreased patient satisfaction and potentially compromised care quality.

These statistics paint a clear picture of the time crunch faced by healthcare professionals and the ripple effects on patient experience. To investigate the impact of Healthnotes's AI assistant on these issues, we conducted a two-week study at a Medical Center in San Diego, following Dr. Yul Scott, a primary care physician.

The Healthnotes Experiment: Before and After

Week 1: Traditional Workflow
During the first week, Dr. Scott followed his usual routine:

• Average time spent on clinical notes per patient: 15 minutes
• Total time spent on clinical notes per day: 4 hours
• Patient wait times: 40 minutes on average
• Number of patients seen per day: 12

Week 2: Implementing Healthnotes
In the second week, Dr. Scott integrated Healthnotes into his workflow:

• Average time spent on clinical notes per patient: 2 minutes (for review and sign-off)
• Total time spent on clinical notes per day: 24 minutes
• Patient wait times: 10 minutes on average
• Number of patients seen per day: 16

The Results: Quantifying Time Saved and Efficiency Gained

Are you sitting down? Because these results might just knock your socks off:

1. Time saved on clinical notes: 3 hours and 36 minutes per day
2. Increase in patient face-to-face time: 25%
3. Reduction in patient wait times: 73%
4. Increase in number of patients seen: 25%
5. Decrease in Dr. Scott's caffeine consumption: 50% (We're not saying Healthnotes cures coffee addiction, but we're not not saying it either)

These numbers represent a significant improvement in efficiency and time management. But what do they mean in practical terms for healthcare providers and patients?

Before we go into that, let's take a look at what a few of Dr. Scott's patients had to say:

• "I was in and out so quickly, I thought I must have forgotten something!" - Tim, 68
• "For once, I didn't have time to read an entire magazine in the waiting room. I'm not sure if I'm disappointed or impressed." - Deborah, 42
• "My doctor seemed more present and less rushed during our appointment. It was like having a conversation with a friend who just happens to have a medical degree. I felt truly heard and cared for." - Nathan, 27

Benefits for Healthcare Providers

1. Reduced Administrative Burden: With Healthnotes handling the bulk of documentation, providers can focus more on patient care and less on paperwork.
2. Improved Work-Life Balance: The time saved on administrative tasks can translate to shorter workdays or more time for professional development and self-care.
3. Enhanced Patient Relationships: More face-to-face time allows for better communication and more comprehensive care.
4. Increased Job Satisfaction: Providers report feeling less stressed and more fulfilled when they can dedicate more time to patient care.

Benefits for Patients

1. Shorter Wait Times: The significant reduction in wait times leads to a more positive healthcare experience.
2. More Thorough Consultations: With providers spending less time on documentation during appointments, patients receive more focused attention.
3. Improved Access to Care: The increased efficiency allows providers to see more patients, potentially reducing appointment booking times.
4. Enhanced Continuity of Care: Detailed, accurate clinical notes facilitate better follow-up care and communication between healthcare team members.

The Technology Behind the Transformation

Healthnotes's AI virtual assistant uses advanced natural language processing and machine learning algorithms to convert recorded clinical conversations into detailed clinical notes in real-time. This technology offers several key advantages:

1. Accuracy: The AI assistant is trained on vast amounts of medical data, ensuring high accuracy in transcription and coding.
2. Real-time Processing: Notes are generated as the conversation occurs, eliminating the need for post-appointment documentation.
3. Customization: The system can be tailored to individual provider preferences and specialties, ensuring that the generated notes align with specific needs and standards.
4. Integration: Healthnotes seamlessly integrates with existing EHR systems, streamlining the documentation process.

Implementing Healthnotes: Best Practices

For healthcare providers considering the adoption of Healthnotes, here are some best practices to ensure a smooth transition:

1. Provide thorough training: Ensure all staff members are comfortable with the technology and understand its capabilities.
2. Start with a pilot program: Begin with a small group of providers to identify and address any implementation challenges.
3. Gather feedback: Regularly solicit input from both providers and patients to continually improve the integration of Healthnotes into your workflow.
4. Monitor metrics: Keep track of time saved, patient satisfaction scores, and other relevant metrics to quantify the impact of Healthnotes on your practice.

The Future of Healthcare Efficiency

As our case study demonstrates, the implementation of AI-assisted documentation tools like Healthnotes has the potential to improve healthcare delivery. By freeing up valuable time for healthcare providers, we can move towards a future where:

• Patient care is prioritized over paperwork
• Healthcare providers experience reduced burnout and increased job satisfaction
• Patients receive more personalized and comprehensive care

The time saved using Healthnotes isn't just about efficiency—it's about reimagining the healthcare experience for everyone involved.

Conclusion: Embracing Time-Saving Technology in Healthcare

The results of our case study with Dr. Yul Scott at Greenwood Medical Center clearly illustrate the transformative potential of Healthnotes's AI virtual assistant. By significantly reducing the time spent on administrative tasks, this innovative technology allows healthcare providers to refocus their energy on what matters most: patient care.

As we continue to navigate the challenges of modern healthcare, Healthnotes offers a promising solution to the ongoing struggle between documentation requirements and quality patient interactions. By embracing these technological advancements, we can work towards a healthcare system that is not only more efficient but also more humane and patient-centered.

Are you ready to improve your practice and reclaim your time? Explore how Healthnotes can transform your healthcare delivery and experience the benefits of AI-assisted documentation firsthand.