Utilization of an Artificial Intelligence-Based Documentation System Improves Provider Efficiency in Outpatient Orthopaedic Clinics: Reducing the Afterhours Burden of the Electronic Health Record-A Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION: Despite recent technological advancements, documentation within the electronic health record (EHR) remains a time-consuming task within orthopaedic surgery and may contribute to provider inefficiency, prolonged work hours, and increased burnout. This study evaluates whether the utilization of an artificial intelligence (AI)-based, ambient documentation system can improve provider efficiency in the EHR during outpatient encounters. METHODS: A retrospective, quality-improvement study was conducted using EHR metrics from orthopaedic providers. Primary outcome variables, such as the progress note length, time in notes per day, time on unscheduled days, time outside 7 am to 7 pm , and percent of appointments closed same day, were collected. Postutilization months were compared with the same 4-month interval from the previous calendar year (preutilization) to calculate the difference and percent change. RESULTS: Nineteen providers, including attending orthopaedic surgeons, advanced practice providers, and podiatrists were included, with the average utilization of the AI-tool ranging from 24.0% to 31.4%. The average number of appointments per day in the pre- versus postutilization periods were similar. However, provider efficiency improved across nearly all metrics analyzed. Time in notes per appointment (-3.1 minutes, 41%), notes per day (-16.9 minutes, 31%), time on unscheduled days (-22.3 minutes, 31%), and time outside 7 am to 7 pm (-23.6 minutes, 61%) all decreased. The average progress note length also decreased (590.5 characters, 15%). CONCLUSION: Use of an ambient, AI-based documentation system has the potential to improve orthopaedic provider efficiency. Increased utilization rates and extended use over time allowed for maximum improvements in provider efficiency. The reduction in afterhours burden seen in this study was remarkable, indicating the potential to have a substantial, positive influence on provider well-being.