National Library of Medicine Awards BIDMC for AI Coach

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center was awarded $1.5 million dollars from the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to create AI tools that will help patients access and understand their open notes. Sigall Bell, MD and Adam Rodman, MD, MPH, FACP, will lead a study of HealthCoach, a large language model (LLM)-driven chatbot available in English and Spanish. Learn more about HealthCoach.

OpenNotes Safety Expert Recognized by Becker's

Sigall Bell, MD was recognized by Becker's Hospital Review as one of 132 patient safety experts to know. Dr. Bell has trained over 1,000 clinician-leaders in medical error disclosure and developed the "OurDX" diagnostic engagement tool. See the complete list.

Clinician Perspectives on Open Notes in Oncology Palliative Care

What happens when a cancer patient receives their diagnosis at 5pm on a Friday via the patient portal? This article investigates the specific concerns of palliative care and oncology clinicians when it comes to open notes. It explores differences in experience according to specialty. Read the full study. (open access through October 10🔒 )

Brooks JV, Chapman-Brown D, Thimmesch A, Wulff-Burchfield E, Sinclair C, English D, Nelson-Brantley H. Clinician Perspectives on Open Notes in Oncology Palliative Care: A Mixed-Methods Study. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. 2025; Published online July 1, 2025. doi:10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2025.07.014

The Bedside Notes study protocol

This study tests a new orientation to the patient portal for care partners of hospitalized children. This intervention has the potential to mitigate safety risks and improve care without increasing care partner anxiety. Read about the protocol. (open access 🔓)

O'Hare C, Gatewood AK, Baird J, Brown R, Coller R, Desai A, Egan A, Danielle G, McGuire T, Singh-Verdeflor KD, Smith CA, Verdelis GA, Warner G, Wong S, Kelly MM. A multicenter randomized trial to improve family clinical note access and outcomes for hospitalized children: the bedside notes study protocol. J Hosp Med. 2025; 1-9. doi:10.1002/jhm.70155

Chaplains’ charting in the USA in the era of open notes

This paper addressed the particular needs of chaplains in oncology settings where relationships tend to be longer. It recommends: using strengths-based language that confirms belief in patients' experience; shortening notes; and using documentation to extend spiritual care. Read more. (paywalled 🔒)

Hirschmann J, Terry K, Thyn RV, Strano A. Chaplains’ Charting in the USA in the Era of “Open Notes:” Recommendations from a Quality Improvement Project. Journal of Religion and Health. Published online August 23, 2025. doi:10.1007/s10943-025-02414-3‌