Revolutionizing healthcare with ambient AI: How generative intelligence is reshaping clinical workflows and patient engagement
AI is reshaping healthcare workflows and restoring patient-provider connections. Ambient AI and generative intelligence are driving efficiency and engagement by transforming clinical workflows, reducing burnout, and improving patient care.
At HIMSS25, an expert panel convened to explore one of the most transformative shifts in healthcare technology: the integration of ambient listening and generative AI into clinical workflows. Moderated by Mitchell Josephson, CEO of Health Data Management, the discussion brought together leading voices at the forefront of this evolution—Rebecca Lancaster, Director of Product Management at MEDITECH; Kenneth Harper, GM of Dragon and DAX Copilot at Microsoft; and Dr. Cate Buley, CMO at SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC).
Their collective insights underscored a critical truth: Generative AI is not merely automating clinical documentation—it is reshaping the patient-provider relationship, reducing burnout, and laying the foundation for more equitable, efficient, and intelligent healthcare delivery.
From burden to benefit: The AI-powered shift in clinical documentation
The panelists detailed how ambient AI-powered solutions like Microsoft's Dragon and DAX Copilot are redefining the way providers interact with electronic health records (EHRs). Dr. Buley shared her firsthand experience, describing how this technology has fundamentally altered the time-intensive and cognitively draining process of documentation—a key contributor to clinician burnout.
“It’s a game-changer for family physicians,” Dr. Buley remarked. “I can leave the exam room, and my note is 95% complete. This allows me to focus on my patients instead of my screen. It also helps with recruiting and retention—some of my older colleagues who were considering retirement are now staying on.”
This reduction in administrative burden is not anecdotal—it is measurable. Harper noted that clinicians save an average of five minutes per patient encounter using Dragon Copilot, an efficiency gain that translates to more face-to-face time with patients and improved quality of care.
The impact extends beyond the physician. Lancaster highlighted how MEDITECH’s integration of generative AI enhances workflows for nurses, streamlining shift handoffs, discharge summaries, and real-time clinical decision-making. By summarizing large volumes of discrete data into actionable insights, AI is alleviating the cognitive overload that has long been a challenge in modern healthcare.
Healthcare equity & AI: Extending reach to underserved communities
The discussion also brought to light the critical role AI can play in expanding access to quality care in remote and underserved regions. Dr. Buley, whose work spans rural Alaskan communities, described how AI-powered tools are enabling frontline providers to deliver advanced care in resource-limited settings.
“We’re using AI-guided echocardiography and AI stethoscopes in small villages with as few as 400 residents,” she explained. “These tools help local providers determine whether a patient needs urgent evacuation or can safely remain in their community.”
This represents a fundamental shift in how AI can address healthcare disparities, particularly in regions with limited specialist access. By equipping non-specialist providers with AI-driven clinical insights, these technologies are democratizing access to high-quality diagnostics and decision-making tools.
Redefining the patient experience: AI as a partner in care
One of the most striking takeaways from the discussion was the impact AI is having on the doctor-patient relationship. Traditionally, EHRs have been an obstacle to patient engagement—diverting a clinician’s attention away from the patient and onto the computer screen. Ambient AI is reversing that dynamic.
Harper emphasized that these AI-powered tools act as an invisible "co-pilot," capturing key details while allowing clinicians to remain fully present. This not only improves provider satisfaction but also enhances the patient’s perception of care.
“Patients have told us, ‘For the first time in years, my doctor is actually looking at me instead of a computer,’” Harper noted. “We know from psychological research that eye contact and body language influence trust. AI is helping restore the human connection in medicine.”
Additionally, AI-driven visit summaries are transforming patient comprehension and adherence. Lancaster described how generative AI translates complex medical jargon into plain language, ensuring that patients leave their appointments with a clear and actionable understanding of their treatment plans.
Implementation and governance: The backbone of responsible AI deployment
As with any disruptive technology, successful implementation is contingent on strong governance, cybersecurity, and workflow integration. Dr. Buley emphasized that at SEARHC, careful planning was essential before deploying DAX Copilot.
“We started with governance—ensuring IT security, legal compliance, and patient consent were in place before rollout,” she explained. “Because we serve Indigenous populations, we had to be particularly mindful of data sovereignty and ensure every patient was fully informed and consenting.”
Lancaster echoed this sentiment, stressing that AI must seamlessly integrate into existing workflows to minimize disruption. MEDITECH’s approach leverages API-driven AI capabilities, reducing the need for copy-pasting and manual data entry.
Harper also acknowledged the importance of robust AI governance to ensure responsible deployment. He detailed Microsoft’s commitment to building AI systems with embedded safeguards, human oversight, and clinical validation.
“Talk is cheap when it comes to responsible AI,” he stated. “What matters is having real governance, independent oversight, and continuous validation of outputs.”
What’s next? The future of AI-driven healthcare
The panel concluded with an exploration of where AI-driven healthcare is headed. The consensus? We’re only at the beginning.
Harper painted a vision where ambient AI not only documents but actively detects clinical risks in real-time.
“Imagine if a 15-second audio snippet could detect signs of depression or cognitive decline,” he speculated. “AI could flag subtle indicators that even seasoned clinicians might miss, enabling earlier interventions and improved outcomes.”
Dr. Buley expanded on this, emphasizing the potential for AI to address social determinants of health. By analyzing past patient interactions, AI could help identify barriers to care and connect patients with social services before health issues escalate.
Final takeaways: AI as an ally in the future of medicine
The HIMSS 2025 panel discussion made one thing clear: AI is no longer just a documentation tool—it is a strategic partner in transforming healthcare. From reducing administrative burdens and improving provider well-being to enhancing patient engagement and expanding access to care, the potential for ambient AI is profound.
However, the success of AI in healthcare hinges on careful implementation, responsible governance, and an unwavering commitment to keeping the patient at the center. As Harper succinctly put it:
“AI is not here to replace providers—it’s here to give them their time, their focus, and their humanity back.”
With major players like Microsoft, MEDITECH, and pioneering healthcare organizations leading the charge, the next frontier of AI-powered healthcare is already taking shape—and it’s one that prioritizes efficiency, equity, and above all, better outcomes for both providers and patients.
Kenneth R. Deans, Jr., DHA, MBA, FACHDM is the President and CEO of Health Sciences South Carolina