Presenters at AONL annual conference discuss ways to scale ambient listening

Chicago-based Northwestern Medicine nurse leaders said engaging nurses early and often in implementing ambient listening technology resulted in a better system design, higher usability and fewer workflow barriers. Speaking during AONL 2026: Inspiring Leaders in Chicago last week, the leaders said the nurses’ input ensured the ambient listening documentation resulted in improved patient safety and time spent on care delivery. Northwestern Medicine’s leaders provided clear communication and were engaged in deploying the technology to overcome unprecedented legal and compliance questions, uncertain rollout timelines, and changes made to the product based on feedback and clinical engagement. The leaders said hospitals should pilot ambient technology on stable units already involved in innovation that are willing to change their workflows from standard practices. Leaders should empower staff nurses to provide honest feedback. (HealthLeaders Media article, 4/7/26)