As the U.S. healthcare system faces a looming shortage of physicians and nurses, organizations are turning to innovative solutions to streamline workflows, improve employee satisfaction, and attract new talent. By 2034, the country could see a deficit of 17,800 to 48,000 primary care physicians, and the shortage of registered nurses is expected to be even more severe by 2030.
At ViVE 2025, held in Nashville, Tennessee, healthcare leaders explored how artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing clinical workflows and addressing these workforce challenges. One standout example comes from the Mayo Clinic, which has implemented an AI-powered ambient documentation tool to reduce the burden on nurses and enhance patient care.
Mayo Clinic’s AI-Driven Nursing Solution
Ryannon Frederick, Chief Nursing Officer at Mayo Clinic, shared insights during a session at ViVE 2025 about the health system’s collaboration with Abridge, a generative AI clinical documentation platform. The tool, designed “for nurses, by nurses,” aims to simplify documentation by allowing nurses to record patient conversations on their smartphones. These recordings are then automatically transcribed and integrated into the electronic health record (EHR) system.
Frederick, a registered nurse herself, emphasized the challenges nurses face with traditional documentation methods. “I want Mayo Clinic to be a place where nurses don’t document. That’s what I’m looking for,” she said. The new workflow enables nurses to focus on patient interactions rather than manual data entry, fostering a more patient-centered approach to care.
The tool has seen 100% adoption in a nursing unit at Mayo Clinic’s Florida campus, with peer-to-peer support helping hesitant nurses embrace the technology. Frederick highlighted the importance of effective change management in driving adoption and ensuring the tool aligns with nurses’ needs.
The Role of AI in Nursing Education
Samantha McQuage, Senior Director of EHR Applications at Baptist Health, discussed how AI can enhance nursing education and preparedness. With a background in nursing, McQuage is particularly excited about AI’s potential to improve simulation training, helping nurses stay confident and competent in handling rare or complex medical scenarios.
“The goal has always been to have nurses work at the top of their licensure, and I think AI offers opportunities to take on some of the things that are preventing them from doing that,” she said.
Patients Are Already Embracing AI
In another session, Dr. Bradley Crotty, President and Chief Digital Officer at Inception Health, highlighted the growing use of AI by patients in their daily lives. From consulting Google to using ChatGPT for medical questions, patients are increasingly relying on AI for health information.
Crotty stressed the need for healthcare organizations to adapt to this shift. “How do we get our organization ready for this and not be afraid of it?” he asked. His health system, Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin, has integrated AI into its digital-first primary care model, using AI agents to guide patients before connecting them with clinicians.
The Future of AI in Healthcare
As AI continues to transform healthcare, organizations must prioritize solutions that enhance workflows, reduce administrative burdens, and improve patient outcomes. From ambient documentation tools to AI-driven training programs, the potential for innovation is vast.
However, successful implementation requires a focus on change management, user-centered design, and ongoing education to ensure that healthcare professionals can fully leverage these technologies.
