Improving communication in patient referrals using AI technology

Closing the loop with an automatic referral population and summarization system

NIH-funded research Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11075307

This study is working on a smart system that helps doctors share important information about patients more easily when they need to see a specialist, so patients can get better care without any confusion.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWeill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11075307 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to enhance the referral process between primary care providers and specialists by developing an automated system that utilizes artificial intelligence. By leveraging deep learning and natural language processing, the project seeks to extract relevant information from electronic health records and generate concise summaries for referrals. This approach addresses the common issue of ineffective information transfer during patient care transitions, ultimately aiming to improve care coordination and patient outcomes. Patients may benefit from a more streamlined referral process that ensures their medical history and needs are clearly communicated.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients who require referrals to specialists and are experiencing challenges with the current referral process.

Not a fit: Patients who do not require specialist referrals or those whose care does not involve complex information transfer may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved communication in patient referrals, resulting in better care coordination and outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in using AI and NLP technologies to improve healthcare communication, indicating a promising approach in this area.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.