Clinician Adoption of Ambient Speech Tools Sees Rapid Growth
The adoption of ambient healthcare speech tools is rising rapidly, particularly in ambulatory settings, as more clinicians seek ways to streamline clinical documentation and reduce administrative burdens. A recent report by KLAS Research highlights the increasing integration of these tools, the performance of vendors, and the impact on clinician satisfaction. Several companies are leading the way, each offering unique capabilities that are shaping the industry.
Abridge has gained high marks from its users, who cite its strong outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and multilingual support as key advantages. The company, led by physicians, is praised for being responsive to client feedback, which has contributed to high satisfaction among its users. However, some customers have voiced concerns about the company’s rapid growth, worried that expanding too quickly might stretch its resources and impact service quality. Despite these concerns, Abridge continues to be a preferred choice for many organizations looking to enhance clinical documentation through speech-based technology.
Microsoft’s DAX Copilot has also been widely adopted, with many users drawn to it due to their existing partnerships with the tech giant. Clinicians report improvements with each update and express confidence in the product’s long-term viability. However, some users believe that the cost of DAX Copilot is higher compared to other ambient speech tools, leading some organizations to explore alternative solutions. Both Abridge and Microsoft have partnered with Epic through the Epic Workshop collaboration, which aims to enhance integration with electronic health record (EHR) systems. While some Epic clients use other tools, the majority favor Abridge or Microsoft due to the seamless integration capabilities provided by these partnerships.
Suki, another emerging leader in the space, is highly rated for its effective implementation and strong support system. Unlike some competitors, Suki is EHR-agnostic, allowing it to function across various systems. The tool has a notable presence among Athenahealth users and has been validated for integration with multiple EHR platforms. Additionally, Suki’s membership in the MEDITECH Alliance has further expanded its reach, enabling better support for users of MEDITECH EHRs. Many clinicians using Suki have reported significant improvements in efficiency, which has driven further adoption.
Nabla is another vendor making waves in the industry, with users highlighting its affordability and customization capabilities. The tool’s flexibility has led to its implementation across various EHR systems. However, while some clients have successfully integrated Nabla into their workflows, others, particularly those using Altera Digital Health, Oracle Health, or smaller EHR systems, have yet to complete full integration. Despite these challenges, overall satisfaction with Nabla remains high, with many organizations planning to deepen their integration in the future.
Ambience Healthcare, while newer to the space, has received positive feedback for its ability to develop technology based on client needs. Customers appreciate the company’s swift upgrades and adherence to timelines, factors that have contributed to a strong reputation for reliability. While most users are satisfied with its EHR integration, some are looking for even deeper integration to further streamline workflows. Ambience Healthcare is actively working to address these demands and improve its offerings.
DeepScribe has also shown promising results, with initial data indicating high satisfaction among users of different organization sizes. Clients appreciate the vendor’s hands-on approach during implementation, training, and ongoing support. Additionally, DeepScribe’s commitment to continuously adding new features based on customer requests has strengthened its position in the market. The company’s proactive engagement has earned the trust of many healthcare providers looking to enhance their documentation processes.
As ambient speech technology becomes more widespread, healthcare organizations are exploring different approaches to encourage adoption. Many institutions have prioritized onboarding overburdened clinicians or those who volunteer to use the technology first. Some organizations rely on word-of-mouth among clinicians, allowing positive experiences to drive further adoption. Clear expectations about what the technology can and cannot do also play a crucial role in successful implementation. Leaders in the field believe that as vendors expand their use cases and refine their products, adoption will continue to accelerate at a rapid pace. With the growing emphasis on reducing clinician workload and improving efficiency, ambient speech tools are set to play a critical role in shaping the future of healthcare documentation.
