Ambient artificial intelligence scribes: physician burnout and perspectives on usability and documentation burden.

Abstract

This study evaluates the pilot implementation of ambient AI scribe technology to assess physician perspectives on usability and the impact on physician burden and burnout. This prospective quality improvement study was conducted at Stanford Health Care with 48 physicians over a 3-month period. Outcome measures included burden, burnout, usability, and perceived time savings. Paired survey analysis (n = 38) revealed large statistically significant reductions in task load (-24.42, p <.001) and burnout (-1.94, p <.001), and moderate statistically significant improvements in usability scores (+10.9, p <.001). Post-survey responses (n = 46) indicated favorable utility with improved perceptions of efficiency, documentation quality, and ease of use. In one of the first pilot implementations of ambient AI scribe technology, improvements in physician task load, burnout, and usability were demonstrated. Ambient AI scribes like DAX Copilot may enhance clinical workflows. Further research is needed to optimize widespread implementation and evaluate long-term impacts.