Microsoft Unveils AI Tools to Support Doctors and Nurses and Ease Workload

Microsoft announced on Thursday a range of new AI tools designed to help health-care professionals manage administrative tasks and improve patient care. Among the innovations are medical imaging models, a healthcare agent service, and a documentation solution aimed at nurses. These tools are intended to streamline workflows, saving valuable time that clinicians often spend on paperwork, a known factor in industry burnout. According to the Office of the Surgeon General, nurses spend up to 41% of their time on documentation.

Mary Varghese Presti, Microsoft’s vice president of portfolio evolution and incubation at Health and Life Sciences, emphasized the impact of AI on healthcare systems. She highlighted its potential to “reduce the strain on medical staff, foster collective health team collaboration, and enhance the overall efficiency of healthcare systems across the country.”

This move follows Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to expand its presence in healthcare AI. Last year, the company introduced health-related features across its Azure cloud and Fabric analytics platform and completed its $16 billion acquisition of Nuance Communications, known for its speech-to-text AI solutions.

While many of the new tools are still in development or available only in preview, they promise significant improvements. The collection of AI models can analyze various data types, including medical images, clinical records, and genomic data. Microsoft aims to empower healthcare organizations to develop innovative applications based on these models, helping doctors and nurses provide better care while reducing their administrative burden.