HBO's The Pitt delivers a nuanced exploration of AI adoption in healthcare through its second season, focusing on how a Pittsburgh emergency room grapples with new transcription technology.
The AI Transcription Dilemma
The show introduces Dr. Baran Al-Hashimi, a visiting physician who champions AI-powered transcription software to help overwhelmed residents like Dr. Trinity Santos complete patient charts faster. The technology works—mostly. It accurately transcribes dictations but introduces glaring errors that could lead to incorrect patient care.
Technology vs. Reality
Rather than a simple "AI is dangerous" narrative, The Pitt examines why medical professionals might embrace these tools while emphasizing the critical need for human verification. Dr. Al-Hashimi consistently warns her team that they—not the software—bear responsibility for patient outcomes.
The show cleverly uses this subplot to highlight a broader truth: AI transcription might speed up charting, but it cannot address the root problems of understaffing and overcrowded waiting rooms. When a surge of patients arrives after another hospital goes on lockdown, the technology offers little relief.
Real-World Parallels
The Pitt's storyline reflects actual concerns in healthcare, including reports of patients suing hospitals over AI-related surgical errors and studies showing large language models struggle to accurately predict patient health outcomes. The series also touches on how AI adoption can paradoxically increase workload through the need for double-checking automated work, contributing to staff burnout.
As hospitals nationwide face nursing shortages and budget constraints, The Pitt argues that productivity-boosting technology is no substitute for adequate staffing and resources. The show's message is clear: some workplace challenges cannot be solved simply by deploying new tools.
