By Alon Weizer, MD 

With healthcare systems across the country implementing artificial intelligence (AI) into their patient care models, Mount Sinai is committed to being at the forefront of these advancements. The medical center is constantly evaluating and implementing new systems and tools that augment the patient-centric care our physicians deliver each day, while creating a more efficient and streamlined approach to charting and communication.

Over the course of the last year, the medical center has launched several initiatives using AI that have collectively enhanced clinical documentation and patient communication processes while allowing physicians to focus on patients. These efforts have already shown a marked improvement in burnout rates, increased job satisfaction, and improved patient care.

Service lines such as Internal Medicine are utilizing Abridge, a technology that records and transcribes a physician’s notes in real time. This tool allows for more accurate and detailed information while cutting down the amount of time spent charting—sometimes hours after a consultation. For this reason, Abridge helps curb physician burnout, empowering them to spend more time face to face with patients and less time back charting.

In addition, the medical center has also recently implemented AI to support clinicians when responding to in-basket messages from patients, via EPIC/MyChart, which not only helps with physician efficiency, but also improves the turnaround time for patients to get a response.

As a part of this continued technological augmentation, this past year Mount Sinai announced a new partnership with HealthSnap, a virtual chronic condition care management platform. HealthSnap uses real-time patient monitoring, allowing physicians to better assess and treat chronic conditions.

Additionally, HealthSnap provides centralized multi-channel communication through video, text, and email, making connecting with patients seamless and flexible. By using these tools, our physicians can remotely assist patients, helping them manage their conditions more effectively and confidently.

Mount Sinai’s AI integrations have already shown strong potential in combatting physician burnout by streamlining patient interactions and care and reducing administrative burdens. Addressing the complexities of physician burnout requires exploring many facets, and when leveraged correctly, AI can have a meaningful impact on provider retention, performance, and satisfaction.

Dr. Alon Weizer is Chief Medical Officer, Mount Sinai Medical Center.