Doctors spend a significant portion of their time on administrative work, such as writing reports and managing records, which limits their ability to focus on patient care. This workload contributes to stress and inefficiencies in the healthcare system. To address this issue, Ghent-based Squire has developed AI-powered software that assists medical professionals by generating consultation reports based on doctor-patient conversations. The company aims to support healthcare providers by reducing administrative burdens rather than replacing them with automation.
Similar AI-driven solutions have been introduced in the healthcare industry over the years, with a focus on streamlining documentation processes. Companies like Nuance Communications and DeepScribe have launched tools that use speech recognition and natural language processing to create medical notes. However, Squire distinguishes itself by emphasizing its role as an assistant rather than a substitute for human decision-making. This approach addresses concerns about AI’s potential impact on medical professionals’ responsibilities.
How Does Squire Work?
Squire’s AI listens to consultations between doctors and patients and automatically generates a draft report. This system allows doctors to review and finalize the document instead of spending valuable time writing it from scratch. By integrating AI into the workflow, the software seeks to optimize administrative efficiency while ensuring that medical professionals maintain full control over their records.
Why Was the Name “Squire” Chosen?
The company’s founders, Stan Callewaert and Ignace Maes, selected the name “Squire” to reflect its supportive role. Historically, a squire assisted knights without taking the lead, which aligns with the company’s goal of aiding doctors rather than replacing them. Callewaert explained,
“The name (Squire) means servant. AI acts as a helpful assistant, not a replacement.”
The decision was made after discussions and feedback from various individuals, ensuring the name fit the company’s objectives.
To secure an appropriate online presence, the team opted for the domain “squire.eu” instead of “.com” due to availability and cost concerns.
“It was important but not important enough to not pick a name because the .com domain was already occupied,”
Callewaert mentioned, indicating that branding decisions prioritized the company’s mission over domain constraints.
While a name can influence branding and marketing, it does not determine a startup’s overall success. Callewaert emphasized,
“What you do with your company and how you position it is more than 10 times more important.”
This perspective highlights that the effectiveness of the product and its market positioning outweigh the significance of the name.
Looking ahead, Squire intends to expand beyond Belgium and adapt its software for broader healthcare applications. The company is exploring ways to integrate its system into existing healthcare software used by general practitioners. Additionally, there are plans to develop variations of the product to assist other medical professionals, such as nurses and specialists.
AI-driven documentation tools are becoming more common in the healthcare sector, but their adoption depends on user trust and seamless integration. Squire positions itself as a tool that enhances efficiency while keeping medical professionals in control of their work. As the company explores international expansion, its ability to tailor solutions for different healthcare systems will be critical to its success.
