AZ Oostende, Ostend Hospital, is now using artificial intelligence (AI) to convert the information gleaned during consultations with patients automatically into medical reports. Thanks to this tool, doctors no longer have to type up a report themselves when they see patients. “This improves contact with the patient, is more reliable and also helps us to better assist patients who speak other languages,” says IT Director Brecht Dekeyser.
Ostend Hospital uses AI to draw up medical reports, especially handy with non-Dutchspeakers
Colin Clapson
Published:
The AI tool, developed by Cavell, the Ghent-based health tech start-up, was first extensively tested at AZ Oostende, and is now being rolled out permanently. “We are using it primarily in the neurology, pulmonology, oncology and psychiatry departments, where consultations with patients are often long and detailed,” says Dekeyser.
“In practical terms, the tool records the conversation and then converts it into a structured medical report, including the patient’s medical history and medication,” explains Dekeyser.
More reliable and less paperwork
This means that, during the consultation with the patient, the doctor does not have to spend the whole time typing or working on the report on their computer. “This improves the relationship between doctor and patient,” says Dekeyser. “Doctors also say that they often find writing such medical reports a bureaucratic hassle.”
“The tool works more efficiently and improves the quality of the report. We’ve noticed, for instance, that the report is often more comprehensive, as information is sometimes overlooked during a consultation – for example, if the doctor receives a phone call. It’s also useful during consultations with patients who speak a different language, as the AI tool helps to translate the conversation directly into the medical record.”
"The report’s reliability is surprisingly high. But it remains a tool. The doctor always reviews the report afterwards and retains ultimate responsibility for its content. Occasionally, minor errors crop up and corrections are needed, but the tool gets it right in more than 9 out of 10 cases.’
Audio clips are not stored
The hospital and the doctors do not use the tool indiscriminately. “We always ask the patient for permission to use the tool before the consultation. If the patient would rather not, then we do not use it,” emphasises Dekeyser. “Although I do hear from patients that they, too, are very enthusiastic about it.”
The hospital also emphasises that the audio clips are not stored. “They are used solely to draw up a report and are deleted immediately afterwards. Your data is never used to train systems,” says Dekeyser.