Evidently Workflow Study: Randomized Evaluation of a Clinician-Facing AI Documentation Support Tool in Outpatient Specialty Practice

Background and aim: This is a behavioral and health-information-technology study focused on clinical workflow. It does not target a specific patient disease or condition; it evaluates whether a clinician-facing artificial intelligence (AI) tool (Evidently) that produces brief summaries of existing electronic health record information can reduce documentation burden and improve efficiency and experience for outpatient specialists.

Design: Interventional, randomized, parallel-group trial. Eligible clinicians are randomly assigned either to receive access to Evidently at the start of the study period or to continue usual documentation workflow for eight weeks before receiving access. The primary comparison window is eight weeks per arm description in the protocol.

Setting and population: Recruitment targets outpatient attending physicians affiliated with UNC Faculty Practice (UNCFP) or UNC Medical Group (UNCMG) in the United States who can consent and complete study activities in English, with age limits and inclusion of birth-assigned sex categories as specified in the approved IRB application. Participants are recruited by invitation through professional clinical channels; the study does not recruit the general public.

Eligibility (summary): Screening confirms attending physician role; UNCFP or UNCMG affiliation; primary specialty in the protocol-eligible list (for example cardiology, pulmonology, gastroenterology, neurology, oncology, surgery, or anesthesiology); at least two half-day outpatient sessions per week (each at least 3.5 hours); fewer than 25 percent of outpatient sessions jointly staffed with trainees or advanced practice providers at or above the protocol threshold; no participation in a prior Evidently pilot; and no anticipated absence from work longer than one week during the eight-week study period. Individuals who do not meet these criteria are not enrolled.

Procedures for participants: Participation includes an eligibility and baseline survey (approximately 10 to 15 minutes), randomization, use or non-use of Evidently according to assignment during the randomized period, and a brief follow-up survey. There is no monetary compensation. The consent materials describe voluntary participation, confidentiality protections, and that participation is not reported to supervisors or leadership and does not affect employment status, evaluation, or clinical responsibilities.