Page 24 - WNS 2024 e-Program - Resized and Binded

Friday, September 6, 2024
Scientific Session I
Neurosurgery Practice
Use of the generative artificial intelligence (AI) program
(Abridge) in neurosurgical practice

Victor Lo, MD, MPH
Southern California Permanente Medical Group – Kaiser Permanente
Jerry Tseng, MD, Kristin Bodnar
Introduction: Abridge, a generative artificial intelligence (AI) program,
was introduced into the clinical setting at Kaiser Permanente in early 2024.
This innovative tool leverages AI capabilities to assist physicians by
streamlining documentation processes and enhancing clinical workflows.
The program records the natural conversation between physician and
patient, then generates the clinical note. In April 2024, the deployment of
Abridge was expanded to include specialty departments including
Neurosurgery.
This abstract presents preliminary data from neurosurgeons at Kaiser
Permanente in the Southern California region who have integrated Abridge
into their practice. The focus of this analysis is to present user experiences
and gather insights on the utility and performance of the AI system in a
neurosurgical practice. Furthermore, early data will be examined to assess
the impact of Abridge on physician focus and the reduction of mental burden
across all users within the organization.
Methods: The Abridge program has been made available to all Kaiser
Permanente physicians in all specialties in the Southern California region.
Use of the program is voluntary. Feedback was gathered through a regional
online survey to all users.
Results: 13/42 (31%) neurosurgeons at Kaiser Permanente in the Southern
California region registered to use Abridge. 4/13 Abridge neurosurgery users
provided survey responses. Overall, there were 744 survey responses across
all specialties. Abridge shifted the balance of attention during a patient visit
from 58% patient focused and 42% documentation focused to 82% patient
focused and 18% documentation focusd. 67% of physicians reported Abridge
reduced or greatly reduced their administrative burden. 75% of physicians
agree or strongly agree Abridge can help reduce burnout.
Conclusion: Use of Abridge can help shift the focus of a visit from
documentation back towards patient care and experience. In addition, users
reported reduced administrative burden, which may reduce physician
feelings of burnout

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