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

Objective: 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.

Materials and methods: 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.

Results: 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.

Discussion: In one of the first pilot implementations of ambient AI scribe technology, improvements in physician task load, burnout, and usability were demonstrated.

Conclusion: Ambient AI scribes like DAX Copilot may enhance clinical workflows. Further research is needed to optimize widespread implementation and evaluate long-term impacts.