The Power of Eye Contact in Patient Care

We spoke to a number of healthcare professionals from different organisations, with different specialisations to understand their experience of using Autoscriber better. What is one thing that stood out to us? Eye contact.

In an interview about AI and technology, it was something so human that was mentioned by every healthcare professional. 

And actually, it’s not actually that surprising. Everyone has been on at least one side of a consultation with a Healthcare professional. With screens between Healthcare Professionals and their patients and a diligent focus on ensuring nothing is missed in documentation, the opportunity for eye contact is minimised - it impacts how human the experience feels on both sides. 

The Problem: There is too much to do during the consultation
When clinicians are documenting while talking, they’re forced to divide their attention. That means less opportunity to observe non-verbal cues, mirror emotion, or simply make the experience for themselves and the patient human-centred. 

The Shift: From Typing to Truly Seeing
Clinicians using Autoscriber describe something that to them really feels transformative:

“I can slide the keyboard away and really look at my patient.” – Joost, Gastroenterologist at Diakonessenhuis
“The conversation flows more easily without typing interruptions.” – Frank, Pediatricion at Treant

By automating clinical documentation in real time, Autoscriber frees clinicians to observe, respond, and connect – not just record.

The Impact: Deeper Human Moments
Eye contact is more than courtesy. It builds trust, signals empathy, and creates space for honest conversation. Patients notice this immediately, and so do clinicians. One user noted:

“The patient contact feels more complete – better for both of us.” – Thom, Neurologist at JBZ

Why It Matters for the Future of Care
As AI enters the consultation room, its role is not to replace human care, but to restore it. The technology works alongside Healthcare Professionals to support them in order to allow them to focus on the most important part of the consultation. 

Eye contact may seem simple, but it’s a powerful indicator of quality – and of presence.