AI All Around Us: How Ambient Listening Will Support Care at CNHSA

As part of its commitment to innovation and patient-centered care, the Choctaw Nation Health Services Authority (CNHSA) will utilize ambient listening technology to help providers spend less time documenting—and more time connecting.

We sat down with Dr. Ashton Clayborn, a dedicated CNHSA physician for the past decade, to explore how this tool will enhance care, improve efficiency, and align with the Nation’s values.

What is Ambient Listening?

Ambient listening is an AI-powered tool that captures and processes conversations during patient visits to generate accurate documentation. This audio can be captured through various devices, such as the room’s computer, an external microphone, or a mobile app.

“It provides the most basic documentation service so that we can actually spend time with our patient,” Dr. Clayborn explains.

Why it Matters

For providers, ambient listening is a powerful time-saver, eliminating the need to take notes during the visit, freeing physicians to focus on the patient’s needs.

“When we’re able to spend more time with patients, also comes the benefit of access to care, says Dr. Clayborn. “The more patients we can see, the more appointment time we can offer. ”

However, the benefits go beyond the clinic.

“Provider burnout is reduced. Turnover can be reduced,” she adds. “So, in becoming an employer of choice, allowing us to truly focus on those issues that are the heart of Choctaw Nation – faith, family, and culture – we can promote that mission and vision. Spend time with our patients and with our own families.”

Security and Consent

Ambient listening will be integrated with Epic, CNHSA’s electronic health record system. Providers experience seamless support through a trusted platform without switching between tools.

Dr. Clayborn acknowledges concerns around AI in healthcare and highlights CNHSA’s commitment to transparency and choice.

“Privacy and security are not only a concern for staff and physicians, but also for the patients themselves,” she says. “We plan to disclose the use of AI technology in all encounters and allow staff and patients the opportunity to opt out – or even just seek additional information – before participating in a service like this, should they have additional concerns.”

The Bottom Line

Ambient listening will support CNHSA’s core values of faith, family, and culture by giving providers more freedom to focus on the patient, more time to see other patients, and less fatigue, both in the clinic and at home.