Study: Artificial intelligence eased the memory load of nurses and freed up time for care

In care work, professionals’ time is primarily needed for encountering people. However, a lot of time is also spent on data entry and other tasks that support the care work.

The "AI solutions in care" project organised by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health investigated the deployment of a voice data entry system based on generative artificial intelligence in nursing homes. In particular, the study examined the working time spent on recording and the nurses’ experiences of changes in their work.

"Streamlining the data entry process can reduce the workload and increase the time spent on actual care work. At its best, artificial intelligence can improve both the productivity and smoothness of work," says Teppo Valtonen, Development Manager at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.

Voice data entry saved time and reduced the number of things to remember

The working time spent on data entry was significantly reduced after the introduction of the speech-based system. Based on the system data, the time spent on data entry related to care activities was halved from approximately 45 minutes to 21 minutes per employee per day. The quality of the entries remained at least at the same level as when entering the data on a computer.

At the same time, the rhythm of data entry changed. Data was entered throughout the day and during nursing activities instead of accumulating at the end of the shift. According to the experience of nurses, this freed up time for activities such as residents spending time outdoors.

Voice data entry also eased nurses' memory load. When information could be recorded immediately, there was no need to keep it in mind for recording later. In interviews with nurses, help with remembering became a key cognitive benefit of voice data entry.

In addition, it was observed that voice data entry can become part of actual care work in some situations. Information could be recorded in the presence of the resident and sometimes also together with the resident. However, the professional’s situational judgement is important, as it is not always appropriate to record sensitive matters aloud, for example.

Successful deployment is key for benefiting from technology

According to the study, voice data entry facilitates the data entry work, but does not remove the nurse’s responsibility. The nurse must still check the text generated by artificial intelligence and correct it if necessary. This requires precision and new skills.

The benefits are also influenced by how well the technology works and fits into daily work. Errors in speech recognition, technical problems and poor compatibility with other systems can make work more difficult.

"The introduction of artificial intelligence not only changes the tools used, but also the ways of working and the division of work between people and technology. That is why it is advisable to involve employees in the planning of new technology as early as possible," Valtonen emphasises.

Tarja Kvist, Professor of Nursing Science at the University of Eastern Finland, who is a member of the project’s steering group, sees the results as having a broader significance for the entire care sector.

"With regard to the attraction and retention of the care sector, it is important that professionals can use their expertise for actual care work. If technology can reduce the burden associated with data entry and facilitate encounters with residents, it can also make a difference in terms of the meaningfulness of work and the attractiveness of the sector," says Kvist.

AI solutions in care 

• The project studied the implementation of a voice data entry system based on generative artificial intelligence in nursing homes.
• The study utilised interviews and voice data entry and indoor location data. In addition, an international literature review was conducted on the effects of technology on care and nursing work and employee well-being.
• The project was carried out in 2025-2026 in collaboration with Attendo Oy, Better Care Technologies Oy:n (Moiva) and Iiwari Tracking Solutions Oy.
• The study was funded by the Finnish Work Environment Fund and the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.

Learn more 

• Research report in Finnish (julkari.fi): Tekoälyratkaisut hoivassa: hankkeen loppuraportti  
• AI solutions in care project page (ttl.fi): AI solutions in care  

Further information 

• Teppo Valtonen, Development Manager, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, teppo.valtonen@ttl.fi, +358 30 474 2625 
• Practical experiences with the introduction of voice data entry: Minna Nissinen,  Head of Data and Business Development, Attendo, minna.nissinen@attendo.fi, +358 40 766 6726