Surgical Assistants

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 0 (0%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 2 (7%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 26 (93%)

• Verify the identity of patient or operative site.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Assess skin integrity or other body conditions upon completion of the procedure to determine if damage has occurred from body positioning.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Monitor and maintain aseptic technique throughout procedures.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Cover patients with surgical drapes to create and maintain a sterile operative field.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Coordinate or participate in the positioning of patients, using body stabilizing equipment or protective padding to provide appropriate exposure for the procedure or to protect against nerve damage or circulation impairment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Maintain an unobstructed operative field, using surgical retractors, sponges, or suctioning and irrigating equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Prepare and apply sterile wound dressings.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Apply sutures, staples, clips, or other materials to close skin, facia, or subcutaneous wound layers.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Discuss with surgeon the nature of the surgical procedure, including operative consent, methods of operative exposure, diagnostic or laboratory data, or patient-advanced directives or other needs.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Determine availability of necessary equipment or supplies for operative procedures.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Clamp, ligate, or cauterize blood vessels to control bleeding during surgical entry, using hemostatic clamps, suture ligatures, or electrocautery equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Assist with patient resuscitation during cardiac arrest or other life-threatening events.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Obtain or inspect sterile or non-sterile surgical equipment, instruments, or supplies.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Operate sterilizing devices.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Pass instruments or supplies to surgeon during procedure.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Monitor patient intra-operative status, including patient position, vital signs, or volume and color of blood.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Assist in the insertion, positioning, or suturing of closed-wound drainage systems.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Assist members of surgical team with gowning or gloving.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Gather, arrange, or assemble instruments or supplies.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Coordinate with anesthesia personnel to maintain patient temperature.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Adjust and maintain operating room temperature, humidity, or lighting, according to surgeon's specifications.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Assist in applying casts, splints, braces, or similar devices.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Transport patients to operating room.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Remove patient hair or disinfect incision sites to prepare patient for surgery.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Incise tissue layers in lower extremities to harvest veins.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Postoperatively inject a subcutaneous local anesthetic agent to reduce pain.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Insert or remove urinary bladder catheters.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Assist in volume replacement or autotransfusion techniques.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

Questions about surgical assistants and AI