AI Scribes in Oncology: Reclaiming Connection and Ending 'Pajama Time'

At the OneOncology APP Symposium, the conversation surrounding clinical efficiency shifted toward the transformative potential of artificial intelligence.

Larry Bilbrey, Director of Data Insights and Innovations at Tennessee Oncology, highlighted how AI scribes are revolutionizing the oncology clinic by restoring the human connection between providers and patients while simultaneously tackling the pervasive issue of burnout.

One of the most immediate benefits of the technology is the physical change in the exam room environment. According to Bilbrey, AI scribes allow providers to move away from being tethered to electronic health records or paper charts during consultations.

"You go into a room, you've got the software loaded on your phone, you set it down on the desk, you're actually able to make eye contact and concentrate on the patient," Bilbrey noted. This marks a significant departure from previous years when providers were often forced to bring laptops into the room or rely on traditional paper notes, creating a barrier to communication.

Bilbrey, in an interview with Oncology Nursing News at the meeting, said he believes this shift has "brought an element of connection back between the provider and the patient."

For oncology nurses and advanced practice providers (APPs), managing a high-volume schedule can be an administrative nightmare. With schedules often reaching 18 to 25 patients, the pace is relentless. Bilbrey explained that as medical assistants keep exam rooms "loaded all day long," providers frequently find themselves jumping from one room to another with multiple patients waiting. In a traditional setup, this often leads to a massive backlog of documentation that can only be addressed at the end of the day. "You get out of one room, you've got three more backed up, waiting for you, and so you just jump into the other room, and then you're like, ‘Well, I'll just catch up at the end of the day,’" Bilbrey said.

The implementation of AI scribes changes this dynamic by automating the documentation process in real-time. "With AI scribe, those notes are being typed for you in the background, and so you don't have to do that catching up," Bilbrey explained. This real-time support is specifically designed to combat "pajama time" — a phrase used to describe the hours providers spend charting at home late at night. Bilbrey reported that the use of these tools has "reduced that dramatically," allowing clinical staff to leave the office without the weight of unfinished paperwork.

The ultimate mission behind integrating AI at Tennessee Oncology extends beyond simple efficiency. The goal is to improve the patient experience while ensuring that providers can maintain a healthy work-life balance. By streamlining the administrative aspects of care, Bilbrey hopes to "get those providers out, hopefully by a decent time, so they can go home, be with their family, and we can reduce burnout and increase satisfaction."

As the oncology field continues to grapple with high levels of stress and administrative burden, AI scribes represent a vital tool in preserving the well-being of the care team.