Microsoft has introduced a new voice assistant for healthcare professionals that combines the functionality of the Dragon Medical One dictation system and DAX Copilot ambient listening technology.
The tool, called Dragon Copilot, will help doctors quickly access the information they need and automatically create clinical records, referrals and other documents. It's part of Microsoft's strategy to reduce administrative burden, a leading cause of burnout in the healthcare industry.
Google Cloud research shows that doctors spend up to 28 hours a week on administrative tasks, including paperwork. Dragon Copilot should help doctors focus on the patient by reducing time spent on computers and records. The technology will allow them to edit records in natural language and ask questions, for example, about a diagnosis or treatment.
In 2021, Microsoft acquired Nuance Communications, the company that develops these technologies. This allowed it to become a significant player in the market for medical records automation. DAX Copilot is already used in more than 3 million patient visits, and with the updated interface, Microsoft hopes to stand out from competitors such as Abridge and Suki.
Dragon Copilot will be available via mobile app, browser, or desktop. Physicians will be able to use this technology to automatically create clinical records and quickly process medical data. The system will be available in the US and Canada in May 2025, with further expansion to other countries.