Quick Summary
Impower, a non-profit telepsychiatry practice based in Longwood, Florida, has implemented AI technology from Eleos to enhance the efficiency of clinical documentation. This innovation has led to a 23% reduction in the time therapists spend completing session notes.
Key Challenges Faced
- Clinical documentation can be extensive and time-consuming, often distracting therapists during patient interactions.
- Therapists reported spending 20-25% of their working hours on documentation, impacting morale and productivity.
- As a non-profit serving underinsured clients, Impower needed to balance efficiency with quality care.
Proposed Solution
- Impower discovered Eleos at a behavioral health conference, where the AI technology was showcased as a tool to streamline session note completion.
- The system operates in the background during sessions, using ambient data collection to generate suggested text for clinical notes.
- Therapists use a small device that captures data and converts it to text in real time, allowing them to focus more on patient care.
Implementation Process
- The practice collaborated with Eleos for six months to customize the AI technology, followed by testing and staff training.
- Initial use began in late summer 2024 with a few therapists, expanding to the entire practice by October.
- Client consent forms were updated to include the use of AI, with minimal pushback from clients.
Early Results
- Seventeen therapists are currently using the AI technology, reporting improved focus on client interactions.
- There is an increase in the detail of clinical notes and a decrease in late documentation.
- The technology has demonstrated a 23% reduction in the time required to complete session notes, with expectations for further improvements as the AI learns.
Future Plans
- Impower plans to extend the AI’s capabilities to Spanish-speaking clients and is testing its use in psychiatric clinics.
- Further implementation in residential programs is anticipated by the end of Q1 2025.
Advice for Other Organizations
- Embracing technology is essential for remaining competitive in the behavioral health sector.
- Impower has a history of innovation, having transitioned to a fully virtual model in 2013, which positioned them well during the pandemic.
- Continuous advancement and innovation are crucial for enhancing patient care and operational efficiency.