Ambient AI Scribe

At Stevenson Memorial Hospital, we are always looking for ways to make your healthcare experience better. To help with this, we are using a new digital tool called Ambient AI Scribes. 

SMH Physicians may choose to use this tool to make documenting your visits easier and more accurate. 

What is Ambient AI Scribe?

The Ambient AI Scribe is a digital tool that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to listen during your visit with your physician and takes notes about the conversation to create a summary of the visit. Your physician will review these notes, make any needed changes, and then add them to your medical record. The Ambient AI Scribe doesn’t make decisions about your care—it simply ensures nothing important is missed during your visit. 

How does the use of Ambient AI Scribe improve your care?

Ambient AI Scribe takes care of notetaking, so your physician can focus on you and spend less time documenting. It also helps your physician keep detailed and accurate notes about your health. 

What privacy and security measures are in place?

We take your privacy very seriously. Physicians using Ambient AI Scribe must comply with Ontario’s privacy laws to safeguard your personal health information. Temporary audio recordings are deleted once finalized, and only your physician and healthcare team can access your information. Patient information stored outside of Canada is de-identified and may be used for system learning and refinement. 

Are there risks associated with using Ambient AI Scribe?

While safeguards are in place to protect your personal health information and ensure compliance with Ontario’s privacy laws, there are some risks to consider. Mistakes in how Ambient AI Scribe captures or processes information may occur. Each physician is responsible for reviewing, correcting, and finalizing the notes to ensure accuracy and completeness. Despite safeguards, there is always a potential risk of data misuse, such as a data breach.

Can I review my physician’s notes?

You may access copies of your health records through Patient Connect or by contacting our Release of Information team at 705-435-3377 x1216.

It’s Your Choice

Using Ambient AI Scribe during your visit is completely up to you. If your physician is participating in the trial, they will explain how the Ambient AI Scribe works and ask for your permission before using it. You can say no or change your mind at any time. This will not affect the care you receive. 

Have Questions?

If you have any questions, please let us know. We are here to help and ensure you feel comfortable and cared for. Speak with a team member or contact the Privacy Office at privacy@smhosp.on.ca.