TLDR: A new study led by Mass General Brigham researchers, published in JAMA Network Open, demonstrates that generative AI scribes significantly reduce physician burnout and improve well-being. The ambient documentation technologies, which automate clinical note-taking, led to a 21.2% absolute reduction in burnout at Mass General Brigham and a 30.7% increase in documentation-related well-being at Emory Healthcare, freeing up physicians for more patient interaction.
A groundbreaking study spearheaded by researchers at Mass General Brigham has unveiled the profound impact of generative artificial intelligence (AI) scribes in combating physician burnout and enhancing overall well-being. The findings, published in the prestigious journal JAMA Network Open, highlight how these ambient documentation technologies are transforming clinical practice by automating the arduous task of note-taking, thereby allowing physicians to refocus on patient care.
The comprehensive research involved surveying over 1,400 physicians and advanced practice providers across two major healthcare systems: Mass General Brigham in Boston and Emory Healthcare in Atlanta. The results were compelling: Mass General Brigham observed a 21.2% absolute reduction in burnout prevalence among its providers within 84 days of adopting the AI scribes. Similarly, clinicians at Emory Healthcare reported a significant 30.7% absolute increase in documentation-related well-being after 60 days of use.
Dr. Rebecca Mishuris, MD, MPH, MS, co-senior author of the study and Chief Medical Information Officer at Mass General Brigham, emphasized the transformative nature of this technology. “Ambient documentation technology has been truly transformative in freeing up physicians from their keyboards to have more face-to-face interaction with their patients,” Dr. Mishuris stated. “Our physicians tell us that they have their nights and weekends back and have rediscovered their joy of practicing medicine. There is literally no other intervention in our field that impacts burnout to this extent.”
Physician burnout is a pervasive issue, affecting more than 50% of U.S. doctors. It is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a diminished sense of personal accomplishment, with excessive time spent on electronic health records (EHRs), particularly after hours, being a primary contributor. The cognitive burden and anticipation of completing detailed appointment notes not only extend the workday but also detract from direct patient engagement.
Mass General Brigham’s ambient documentation program commenced in July 2023 as a proof-of-concept pilot study with 18 physicians. By July 2024, the pilot, which evaluated two distinct ambient documentation technologies, had expanded to include over 800 providers. As of April 2025, these technologies have been made available to all Mass General Brigham physicians, with more than 3,000 providers routinely utilizing the tools. Plans are underway to extend the program to other healthcare professionals, including nurses, physical and occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists, later this year.
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Qualitative feedback from users further underscored the positive impact, with many touting that ambient documentation facilitated more “contact with patients and families” and improvements in their “joy in practice.” Users also recognized its potential to “fundamentally [change] the experience of being a physician.” While some users noted that it occasionally added time to note-writing or had less utility for specific visit types or medical specialties, the overwhelming sentiment was positive, pointing to a significant step forward in addressing the healthcare industry’s burnout crisis.
