AI basics for nursing

AI terms

You don’t have to be an AI expert to use Dragon Copilot. Learning a few common terms can make it easier to understand its features and feel more confident using it as part of your daily workflow.

• Artificial intelligence (AI): Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems designed to emulate human capabilities, such as understanding speech, making decisions, translating languages, and analyzing sentiment. AI operates by processing extensive datasets using algorithms—specialized instructions that create models for tasks typically requiring human intelligence. AI systems are not physical machines or robots, but programs that run on computers. Sometimes people interact with AI directly, like asking Bing Chat for help, but often AI works in the background all around us, suggesting words as we type, recommending songs in a playlist, and more.

• Conversational AI: Conversational AI is a type of technology that helps computers understand, interpret, and respond to what people say. Examples include virtual assistants, chatbots, and other programs that can have conversations like humans. Dragon Copilot recognizes the speech from clinical conversations and uses this input to inform the generative AI output it produces.

• Generative AI: Generative AI refers to a category of artificial intelligence capable of creating new content by analyzing and learning from existing data patterns. By learning the patterns and structures inherent in how nurses document observations and assessments during patient interactions, Dragon Copilot uses generative AI to extract flowsheet data from the content verbalized by the nurse. The Dragon Copilot standalone app uses generative AI to produce new content, such as narrative notes and provider notifications.

• Ambient AI: Ambient technology integrates into your workflow in a way that makes it seem like it isn't even there. Ambient technology is convenient and can improve efficiency and overall quality of life. In the case of Dragon Copilot, the app unobtrusively and following privacy and security standards, captures your voice during patient discussions and assessments, allowing the AI to perform its functions while you concentrate on the patient.

• Responsible AI (RAI): Responsible AI (RAI) is a guiding principle that encourages humans to design safe and equitable systems across all levels, including machine learning models, software applications, user interfaces, and access protocols. A big part of responsible AI is ensuring that AI is used ethically and responsibly, and that it benefits everyone equally. Microsoft ensures all our AI solutions adhere to Microsoft's responsible AI practices.

How does Dragon Copilot help me?

Dragon Copilot supports nurses by easing documentation tasks, so they can stay focused on their patients and build stronger connections.

• Speeds up charting: Dragon Copilot enables on-the-go documentation, saving you time and enhancing your efficiency. Your voice becomes the source of the documentation, allowing you to capture the discussions you are already having with your patients. Dragon Copilot then converts these conversations directly into your flowsheet, ready for you to review, edit, and file in the EHR.
  

• Fits existing workflow: Dragon Copilot  seamlessly integrates into your existing workflow. Carry your organization-supported phone with you to record simple observations throughout your day. Use it in-room, at the workstation, on-the-go, or in the hallway. Review and edit recorded observations as needed.

• Reduces manual documentation: Dragon Copilot captures conversations with patients, enabling you to connect with your patients rather than screens. Less manual charting helps to reduce burnout, restore work-life balance, and helps the you refocus on patient care.

• Integrates with your EHR: Dragon Copilot seamlessly integrates with your EHR without complex requirements. You can harmonize content populated into flowsheets by Dragon Copilot  with EHR functions, such as macros. Once your flowsheet is reviewed and filed, it can be viewed by anyone with EHR access, ensuring continuity of care.

• Allows you to generate and refine nurse notes: The Dragon Copilot standalone app offers advanced AI capabilities. While recordings must occur in Epic Rover, the web/desktop app is a powerful tool that allows you to draft nurse notes or ask questions about the patient interaction using the AI-generated transcript. You can copy and paste AI-generated outputs—such as narrative notes, interaction summaries, and transcript queries—to help you finalize documentation efficiently, creating a seamless workflow across mobile and desktop.​​​​​​​

Related topics

Start your first recording

Dragon Copilot quick start guide for the nursing experience

Get a refresher or find a specific training topic. Open the Dragon Copilot learning library for the nursing experience.

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