On October 13, 2024, Microsoft announced a suite of new tools aimed at enhancing health data management and artificial intelligence in healthcare. These innovations include medical imaging models and automated documentation services specifically designed for nurses. The tools are intended to assist healthcare organizations in developing AI applications more rapidly, addressing administrative tasks that contribute significantly to clinician burnout.
According to reports, nurses spend up to 41% of their time on documentation, prompting Microsoft to introduce these tools as part of its strategy to solidify its position as a leader in AI within the healthcare sector. Last October, the company unveiled several health features through its Azure cloud computing platform and Fabric analytics platform.
Microsoft's acquisition of Nuance Communications in 2021 for $16 billion, which provides AI-driven speech-to-text solutions for healthcare and other sectors, has further bolstered its capabilities. With approximately 80% of hospital visits relying on imaging tests, Microsoft launched a series of open-source AI models to analyze various data types, including medical images, clinical records, and genomic data.
These advancements include a complete slide model that improves predictions of genetic mutations and cancer classifications, allowing healthcare systems to tailor the model to their needs. Sarah Fazzi, Chief Strategy and Digital Officer at Providence, remarked on the significance of this model in overcoming previous challenges in healthcare delivery.
Moreover, Microsoft introduced a new method for healthcare systems to create AI agents that assist users in answering questions and automating processes. Through the Microsoft Copilot Studio, organizations can develop healthcare-specific AI agents that provide clinical evidence sources for their answers.
These AI agents can also help physicians identify relevant clinical trials for patients, thereby saving time in research. Hadassah Pitran, General Manager of AI at Microsoft Health, noted the growing popularity of these AI agents among health systems already testing the service.
In August, Microsoft announced a new phase in its partnership with Epic Systems, focusing on building an AI-powered documentation tool for nurses. Epic Systems manages electronic health records for over 280 million individuals in the U.S. and has a longstanding relationship with Microsoft.
Additionally, Nuance offers an automated documentation tool for physicians called DAX Copilot, which allows doctors to record patient visits in an organized format that AI automatically converts into clinical notes. This technology has gained significant traction this year, with DAX Copilot becoming generally available within Epic's electronic health record system in January.
Microsoft indicated that it is working on a similar enhanced tool for nurses, aiming to further streamline healthcare documentation processes.