Mining EHR data to understand documentation burnout

ONC found some progress has been made in using EHR audit log data to identify clinicians in need of training and support and areas to improve workflows. According to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information, access to and analysis of documentation data in electronic health records by hospitals have improved over the previous five years, but certain hospitals still have access and use gaps. The amount of time spent by physicians recording and doing specific tasks can be tracked using data from EHRs. ONC examined four waves of a nationally representative survey of non-federal acute care hospitals in the United States to gauge physician burden on a broad national scale. Trends in Electronic Health Record Capabilities for Tracking Documentation was released in January in the special health IT issue of the American Journal of Managed Care. Time looked at usage patterns for data from EHR creators that quantify the amount of time doctors spend. EHR (Electronic Health Record) documentation can play an important role in reducing physician burnout by streamlining administrative tasks and improving efficiency in clinical practice. Here are a few reasons why EHR documentation matters in this regard:

• Time-Saving: EHR documentation can save time and effort for physicians by automating repetitive tasks, such as data entry, prescription writing, and test ordering. This can free up more time for physicians to focus on patient care, which can reduce their workload and alleviate burnout.
• Accuracy: EHRs can help improve the accuracy of patient data, by reducing errors and eliminating the need for manual transcription. This can help physicians make more informed clinical decisions, leading to better patient outcomes and reduced stress.
• Accessibility: EHRs can make it easier for physicians to access patient information quickly and efficiently, from any location. This can save time and reduce the need for phone calls or follow-up visits, which can be a source of frustration and burnout for physicians.
• Standardization: EHRs can help standardize clinical documentation across the organization, reducing the risk of errors or omissions. This can improve care coordination and communication, leading to better patient outcomes and a more efficient healthcare system.
• Patient Satisfaction: EHRs can help improve patient satisfaction by providing timely and accurate information, such as lab results or test reports. This can reduce the need for phone calls or follow-up visits, which can be a source of stress for physicians and patients alike.

By streamlining administrative tasks and improving efficiency in clinical practice, EHR documentation can help reduce physician burnout, improve patient care, and enhance the overall healthcare system.