Southern New Hampshire Health deploys AI tools to support clinicians, not replace them
Southern New Hampshire Health is integrating artificial intelligence into clinical workflows to reduce documentation burden, improve diagnostic accuracy, and strengthen patient safety protocols. The health system has adopted two primary AI applications: DAX Copilot for clinical note-taking and GI Genius for polyp detection during colonoscopies.
Jon Michael Vore, DO, Chief Medical Information Officer at Southern New Hampshire Health, said the organization reviews all new software extensively before deployment. "If there is something that can help us provide better care for our patients, we will see how we can integrate it," Vore said.
Reducing documentation time with DAX Copilot
DAX Copilot listens to conversations between clinicians and patients, then generates structured clinical notes. The tool can reduce documentation time by up to 50%, according to studies cited by the health system.
The benefit extends beyond time savings. Clinicians stay focused on patients during appointments rather than typing notes, then review and sign the completed documentation after the visit ends.
Detecting polyps earlier with GI Genius
Colorectal cancer ranks as the third most diagnosed cancer in the United States, with approximately 154,000 new diagnoses and 53,000 deaths annually. Early detection through colonoscopy significantly improves treatment outcomes.
Southern New Hampshire Health became the first in its region to offer colonoscopies using GI Genius, an AI tool that helps physicians identify potentially precancerous polyps. The developer, Medtronic, reports the tool reduces the chance of missed polyps by up to 50%.
John V. Flannery, Jr., MD, a colorectal surgeon with Colon & Rectal Surgery of New England, said the technology enhances clinical capability. "With GI Genius, we have an improved ability to see and remove potentially pre-cancerous polyps and provide even greater excellence in care to our patients," Flannery said.
Strengthening safety protocols at the bedside
AI is also adding verification layers to medication administration and patient monitoring. Nurses and providers use secure devices to scan patient wristbands and medications before administration. The system alerts staff if a medication is expired, the dose is incorrect, or it's prescribed for the wrong patient.
A separate feature tracks medical devices like intravenous lines. Providers document when IVs are placed or drains are emptied, creating real-time records that help prevent infections.
The approach keeps additional equipment out of clinical spaces while maintaining accuracy standards that require staff to verify patient identity and medication details multiple times.
Vetting remains the standard
Vore emphasized that extensive review precedes any technology adoption. This practice continues as AI capabilities expand, ensuring new tools meet safety and quality benchmarks before clinicians use them with patients.
The health system plans to continue evaluating AI products that align with its mission to deliver high-quality, expert, and compassionate care. For healthcare professionals interested in understanding AI for Healthcare applications and how AI Data Analysis supports clinical decision-making, professional training resources are available.
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