Artificial intelligence medical scribes in allied health: a solution in search of evidence?
Journal:
Australian health review : a publication of the Australian Hospital Association
Published Date:
Jun 1, 2025
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) medical scribes (AI scribes), which ambiently record and transcribe patient-clinician interactions into structured documentation, aim to ameliorate documentation burdens, but their suitability for allied health remains unclear. AI scribes are often designed for doctors, raising concerns about accuracy, workflow integration, and applicability to allied health's diverse documentation needs. While potential benefits include improved efficiency and patient engagement, evidence is lacking for their effectiveness in allied health settings. Risks such as AI bias, patient safety, and integration barriers may also require consideration. This paper argues that further research is needed before widespread allied health adoption, emphasising the need for discipline-specific evaluations to assess AI scribes' viability in allied health practice.