Google researchers are studying AMIE, an artificial intelligence system designed to conduct clinical conversations and collect information before a doctor’s appointment. According to Google, AMIE asks follow-up questions based on a patient’s responses rather than relying only on standard intake forms, then produces a concise summary for a physician.

In a recent study, participants could chat with AMIE before a doctor’s appointment. Google says a trained physician oversaw every AMIE-patient interaction as a safety measure, and that the physician did not need to interrupt or intervene in any conversation. The researchers report that doctors said the system helped shift their time away from gathering baseline information and toward discussing patient concerns, treatment options and decisions collaboratively.

AMIE began as a text-based system, and patients could also share pictures through the chat. Google says its research team is exploring audio and video interactions, including conversations in which patients speak to the system and show it what they are experiencing.

The team says it is planning a follow-up study involving more patients across the United States and controlled comparisons. Google describes AMIE as a research project focused on AI systems for clinical reasoning and conversations. The company presents the study as evidence of potential benefits for patients and doctors, while further research is planned.