User-Centered Delivery of AI-Powered Health Care Technologies in Clinical Settings: Mixed Methods Case Study

Providers spend a large percentage of their day using electronic health record (EHR) technology and frequently report frustration when EHR tasks are time-consuming and effortful. To solve these challenges, artificial intelligence (AI)-based enhancements to EHR technology are increasingly being deployed. However, AI-based implementations for EHR features often lack user-centered evaluation.

This study evaluates, using a user-centered approach, the implementation of an AI-powered search and clinical discovery tool within an EHR system.

We conducted a mixed methods study consisting of interviews, observations, and surveys for 5 months.

High adoption rates for the AI-based features (163/176, 93% users after 3 months) and significant increases across key metrics, including user satisfaction (U=49; P<.001) and perception of time saved (U=49; P<.001), demonstrated that the AI-based features were not only successfully integrated into various clinical workflows but also improved the user experience for clinicians.

Our results underscore the feasibility and effectiveness of using a user-centered approach for the deployment of clinical AI tools. High adoption rates and positive user experiences were driven by our user-centered research program, which emphasized close collaboration with users, rapid incorporation of feedback, and tailored user training. This study program can be used as a starting framework for the design and integration of human-centered research methods for AI tool deployment in clinical settings.