Dragon Copilot experience for nurses FAQs

Mobile devices

What happens if I lose my Wi-Fi connection?
Wi-Fi is required for certain EHR-integrated actions, such as selecting a patient. After you select a patient, you can start and stop recordings without Wi-Fi. When connectivity returns, recordings upload automatically for processing. The Preview and Transcript tabs don't display content while offline.

What happens if I receive an incoming call?
Behavior might vary based on your organization’s configuration. Check with your IT department for specifics.

Workflow options

What flowsheets does Dragon Copilot support?
Currently, Dragon Copilot supports the following flowsheets:

• Intake and output
• Vitals and pain assessments
• Daily cares and safety
• Activities of daily living
• LDAs
• Head to toe (basic assessment)
• Non-violent restraints
• Violent restraints
• Blood administration
• CIWA-Ar
• Depending on your organization, additional templates might include screenings, admission, and discharge.

Can multiple users document for the same patient by using Dragon Copilot?
Yes. Multiple users can document assessments for the same patient. Note that EHR behavior, such as filing date and time, might affect how entries appear.

What if I miss some details—can I add more to my assessment?
Yes. If you pause the recording, resume and continue. If you stop the recording, start a new recording, speak the additional observations, and adjust the time to align with the original assessment. You can also add details manually in the flowsheets.

Do I need separate recordings for different flowsheets?
No. You can capture all relevant information in a single recording. Dragon Copilot automatically routes content to the appropriate ambient-enabled flowsheets.

Will patient conversations that don't follow flowsheet templates affect documentation quality?
Dragon Copilot captures values regardless of conversation structure. The AI extracts relevant details and populates all ambient-enabled flowsheet templates.

Verbalization and recording

Can I use Dragon Copilot to get patient consent?

No. You must get patient consent before using ambient features. Always follow your organization’s guidelines on how to get patient consent before using Dragon Copilot.

Can I use macros while verbalizing documentation?

Yes. You can activate ambient-enabled public macros verbally and apply all macros manually as needed.

Can I use my personal or private macros with ambient?
You can't verbalize personal or private macros the same way as you do for public macros, but you can use them alongside Dragon Copilot to streamline documentation. A typical workflow looks like this:

• Review prior values: Check the patient’s existing information in Epic Hyperspace or Rover before documenting.

• Capture observations with Dragon Copilot: Use your mobile device to verbally describe any changes in the patient’s condition.

• File your updates: After Dragon Copilot files the captured values, manually apply your private macro in Epic.

• Understand overrides: Anything you verbalize during the recording overrides the default values in your macro.

  • Example: If your macro lists a bandage as “clean, dry, and intact,” but you verbally state it is “soiled,” Epic uses your spoken update instead of the macro default.

Can I pause my current recording?
Yes. Tap the timer or pause button at the bottom of the screen. To resume, return to the patient in the mobile app, open the in‑progress ambient recording, and tap Resume.

Do I need to pause if someone other than the patient speaks?
Pause the recording if you don’t want other speakers included in the documentation.

How does a recording stop if I forget to turn off the microphone or if the network disconnects?
If you don't manually stop a recording, it continues until it reaches a maximum duration of 120 minutes.

Can I add recordings after stopping the initial one?
Yes. You can start a new recording anytime. Note that paused recordings can be resumed, but once stopped, the recording session is complete and requires a new recording. The maximum duration for any single recording is 120 minutes.

Is there an option to play back a recording?
Audio files aren't retained after processing, so playback isn't available. You can review the transcript text to read what was captured during the session.

How does Dragon Copilot handle recordings and patient data?
Dragon Copilot securely processes recordings to create documentation. Audio, transcripts, and draft content are retained for up to 90 days to support the service. Recordings aren't available for playback, and transcripts are only visible to you during your workflow. Microsoft uses this data to deliver and improve the service, with data anonymized for product improvement.

What information does Microsoft process from my recordings?

Dragon Copilot processes voice audio, transcribed text from nurse-patient encounters, and generated AI content (such as draft flowsheet documentation). For the full list, see How does Dragon Copilot handle PII

Can Microsoft access my recordings?

In strictly limited scenarios, select Microsoft employees may access recordings or transcripts, only to resolve support tickets or ensure clinical accuracy during AI model improvement. All such access is tightly controlled. Data is anonymized within 90 days, and AI/ML models are trained solely on anonymized data. See the Dragon Copilot privacy whitepaper for full details.

How long are recordings retained?

Audio, transcript, and flowsheet data is retained for up to 90 days. Voice dictation and text for user-specific adaptation are retained for up to 180 days, then securely purged. See How long does Dragon Copilot retain data

Are transcripts or notes part of the legal medical record? Are they discoverable?

Dragon Copilot generates draft documentation only. The clinician is solely responsible for reviewing, editing, and filing content into the patient’s record. Whether Dragon Copilot outputs -filed or unfiled, constitute part of the legal medical record or are subject to legal discovery depends on your organization's policies, your EHR configuration, and applicable law in your jurisdiction. We recommend consulting your organization's legal and compliance team for guidance specific to your deployment.

For a comprehensive overview of Microsoft's privacy and data protection commitments, including HIPAA, GDPR, and encryption practices, please refer to the Dragon Copilot privacy whitepaper.

LDA assessments

How do I ensure my LDA assessment files to the correct item if a patient has multiple LDAs or wounds?

Specify the LDA type and exact location. For example, use “Wound on left forearm, distal” or “Wound on right ankle, medial.” This specification ensures clarity.

Can I capture wound images while verbalizing assessments?

Yes. After exposing the wound, verbalize your assessment and follow EHR guidelines to add a photo. Recording continues even if you navigate away to take the picture.

Can the application record volumes for LDAs linked to medication?

Yes, if you verbalize the infused volume during the recording, including units of measure (mL, ounces, and so on).

Can I use Dragon Copilot for additions and removals of LDAs?

Yes. Use Dragon Copilot to record insertions, assessments, and removals of lines, drains, airways, and wounds (LDAs).

Dragon Copilot outputs

Are my assessment findings visible to others after recording?
Not immediately. Only you can see your findings until you file them in the EHR as part of your regular flowsheet documentation. Once filed, other staff can view them.

Who else can see the transcript?
Only the Dragon Copilot user who recorded the conversation has access.

Is the transcript part of the patient’s chart?
No. Only the information you file becomes part of the chart. The transcript is for your reference only.

Can I update values populated by Dragon Copilot ⁠?⁠
Yes. Always review ambient-generated documentation for accuracy. You can edit values on mobile or desktop before filing them in the EHR.

How can I access the transcript of the recording, and how long is the transcript available?
While the recording is paused, you can find the transcript in the Transcript tab of the mobile app. Once the recording is complete, the transcript is accessible in the EHR mobile or desktop app and remains available during your current shift. To view the transcript while reviewing flowsheets, simply select "View Transcript" from the Dragon Copilot menu.

Are transcripts part of the legal medical record?
Transcripts are provided to help you review what was captured during a recording. They're not automatically part of the legal medical record.

• You decide what information to include by reviewing and filing content in the EHR.
• Only the information you file becomes part of the patient record.
• Your organization determines what is considered part of the legal medical record.

Are there any legal considerations for me when using Dragon Copilot?
Your organization determines how information may be used for legal, administrative, or internal review purposes.

• Dragon Copilot helps you capture and review documentation during your workflow.
• You decide what information is filed in the EHR as part of the patient record.
• Your organization's policies guide how information may be used or accessed beyond your workflow.

Dragon Copilot app (web/desktop/mobile)

Can I view recordings from a previous session?
No. You can only view recordings made during the current shift.  

Can I create recordings in the Dragon Copilot app?
No. You must use Dragon Copilot for Epic Rover to create recordings.  

Can I edit notes and summaries generated by Dragon Copilot?
Yes. You can revise, add to, or remove content before copying it to the EHR. Or, you can copy the content into your system of record and edit it there.

What languages does Dragon Copilot support?

Dragon Copilot for Epic Rover supports recording in English only. The Dragon Copilot app for the nursing experience is currently available only in the United States and supports English exclusively.  

How does Dragon Copilot ensure HIPAA compliance and protect patient data when displaying recorded sessions?

Dragon Copilot maintains HIPAA compliance through an Entra ID–to–EHR ID mapping configured by administrators in the Dragon admin center. This mapping securely links sessions recorded in Epic Rover to the same user in the standalone app, preventing unauthorized access and ensuring data integrity.

Ambient AI FAQs for patients

These patient-friendly FAQs help nursing staff address common patient questions about ambient AI.

What does “ambient listening” or “ambient AI” mean?

Ambient AI is like a smart helper for nurses. Dragon Copilot is an AI clinical assistant that helps your nurse document what happens during your visit. While you and your nurse talk, it listens for important details—like your symptoms, medicines, and care instructions—and uses them to make a note. Your nurse always reviews and approves the note before it goes into your health record.

Why are nurses using AI technology?

Nurses spend a lot of time writing notes about your care, and the AI technology helps keep your health information complete and up to date. AI technology helps by cutting down the time they spend typing, giving them more time to focus on you, and making sure your care notes are correct and ready quickly.

Is anyone listening live to my conversation?

No. Nobody is listening in real time except your nurse. The AI technology only listens and turns what’s said into notes for your health record.

Is everything I say being recorded?

No. The system only listens when your nurse turns it on during your visit. It quickly turns the conversation into notes for your health record.  

Is my information safe? Yes. Your privacy is protected. Only your care team can see your notes. The AI technology keeps your data secure, adhering to all HIPAA regulations, and it’s never used for anything except your care. Dragon Copilot aligns to Microsoft’s responsible AI principles to help guide development and use, while incorporating healthcare-specific clinical, chat, and compliance safeguards for accurate and safe AI outputs. By leveraging the Microsoft Secure Future Initiative, the highest standards of security, privacy, and compliance are supported.

Can I say no to using the AI technology during my care?

Yes. It’s your choice. If you don’t want the AI tool used, just tell your nurse. Your nurse will take care of your notes the usual way, and your care won’t change.

Does this mean my nurse will be busy with the computer?

No. It actually helps your nurse spend more time talking with you and less time typing. The AI tool helps with notes so your nurse can focus on listening and caring for you.

Will the AI technology take the place of my nurse?

No. It’s only a helper for note-taking. Your nurse and care team still do all the thinking, teaching, and caring.

Related topics

Dragon Copilot experience for nurses quick start guide

To get a refresher or find a specific training topic, open the Dragon Copilot learning library for the nursing experience.