A Day in the Life: When Documentation Meets Innovation
In the bustling emergency department of Jefferson City, Missouri, Physician Assistant Elochukwu Osoego moves swiftly between patient rooms with a confidence that comes from years of experience. But something is notably different about his workflow compared to just a year ago – he’s spending significantly more time making eye contact with patients and discussing their care plans, rather than typing furiously at a computer.
The change stems from his adoption of AI Scribe, an artificial intelligence-powered documentation tool that has transformed his clinical practice. According to recent survey data, Osoego’s experience aligns with a broader trend: 93.7% of healthcare providers report increased patient interaction time after implementing AI documentation tools, with 56.2% noting “somewhat increased” and 37.5% reporting “significantly increased” patient interaction time.
From Nigeria to Missouri: A Journey of Innovation
Osoego’s path to embracing healthcare innovation began long before his current role. Born and raised in Nigeria, where he helped manage his father’s textile business, Osoego immigrated to the United States in 2007 pursuing a dream of working in healthcare. After earning two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Missouri and gaining experience as a nuclear medicine technologist, he found his calling as a physician assistant.
In 2022, Osoego and his wife took a bold step by opening Innovative Medical Clinic in Jefferson City, with a mission to reduce pressure on local emergency departments. It was here, along with his emergency medicine work, that he discovered how technology could enhance patient care.
The Human Touch in a Digital Age
“It’s made me a better clinician,” Osoego reflects, leaning back in his chair after a busy shift. “I spend more time with my patients going over plans. Whether this is because I know the AI is listening in the background to make sure it captures everything, I don’t know, but what it has done ultimately is to make me a better clinician for my patients.”
The impact has been quantifiable. “It’s cut my charting time to more than half, and I was already fast to start with,” he notes. But the benefits extend beyond mere efficiency. The AI-driven templates have enabled a fundamental shift in how Osoego approaches patient interactions.
Breaking Down the Technology
AI Scribe works by actively listening during patient encounters, automatically generating clinical documentation that adheres to medical standards while capturing the nuances of each interaction. The system’s AI-driven templates adapt to different clinical settings – from emergency medicine to primary care – ensuring appropriate documentation across various scenarios.
What sets this technology apart is its ability to learn from provider preferences and patterns while maintaining compliance with documentation requirements. For Osoego, who splits his time between emergency medicine and clinic work, this flexibility is crucial.
Ripple Effects Across Healthcare
The impact of AI Scribe extends beyond individual provider efficiency. Osoego has become an unofficial ambassador for the technology, sharing his experience with colleagues who have reported similar positive outcomes. “I have actually recommended this to some of my co-workers,” he says, “and they have experienced similar results.”
This organic spread of innovation reflects a broader transformation in healthcare documentation. The survey data showing increased patient interaction time suggests that AI documentation tools are helping address one of healthcare’s persistent challenges: the balance between thorough documentation and meaningful patient engagement.
Looking Forward: The Future of Patient Care
As Osoego continues to develop his practice at Innovative Medical Clinic while serving in emergency medicine, he sees AI documentation tools as more than just a convenience – they’re a catalyst for better healthcare delivery. “It’s definitely something that I would recommend for anybody who is in the medical field,” he advocates.
The technology has enabled him to fulfill the vision behind opening his clinic: providing accessible, high-quality care while reducing the burden on emergency departments. By spending less time on documentation and more time with patients, he’s better equipped to achieve these goals.
For Osoego, the future of healthcare lies in this balance between technological efficiency and human connection. As AI continues to evolve, it’s not about replacing the human element in healthcare – it’s about enhancing it, allowing providers like him to focus on what matters most: the patient.
For more insights on how AI is transforming healthcare documentation, visit Chartnote’s official blog.
About Chartnote
Chartnote is revolutionizing medical documentation one note at a time by making generative AI, voice-recognition, and smart templates available to any clinician. We know first-hand that completing notes while treating patients is time-consuming and an epic challenge. Chartnote was developed as a complementary EHR solution to write your SOAP notes faster. Focus on what matters most. Sign up for a free account: chartnote.com
