01/12/2025
⭐️ New Article in HAND ⭐️
Ambient Artificial Intelligence in Hand Surgery
Insights, pearls, and pitfalls from real-world clinical use.
Authors: Krishna Unadkat, Pooja Dhupati, Shelley Noland
⭐️ Why This Matters
Documentation burden continues to grow. Hand surgeons often manage multiple diagnoses, detailed exams, and complex plans in every visit. Ambient AI tools now offer real-time transcription and summarization to support clinical efficiency.
⭐️ What We Studied
We compared 14 carpal tunnel syndrome clinic notes.
Seven were written by the surgeon.
Seven were generated with an ambient AI tool after implementation.
We evaluated structure, detail, readability, and content.
⭐️ Key Finding 1: Richer Histories
AI-generated histories were longer and included more social context.
Examples included sleep disruption, driving limitations, and caregiving responsibilities.
⭐️ Key Finding 2: Structured Assessments
AI notes consistently used a problem-based format.
Plans were aligned with each diagnosis.
This improved clarity for the patient and supported coding accuracy.
⭐️ Key Finding 3: Physical Exam Needs Oversight
AI frequently summarized objective findings instead of capturing exact values.
Surgeons improved accuracy by speaking measurements aloud and clearly stating laterality.
⭐️ Practical Pearls for Surgeons
• Use clear verbal transitions during the visit.
• Restate anatomy and laterality out loud.
• Speak numeric exam findings directly into the room.
• Review and edit the exam section after the visit.
• Use problem-based verbal summaries to improve note structure.
⭐️ Takeaway
Ambient AI can reduce cognitive load and strengthen note structure.
Successful use requires intentional communication and surgeon review.
When implemented thoughtfully, ambient AI helps us reclaim time and focus on the patient in front of us.