BACKGROUND
Physician burnout was first identified in 1974, and it has been particularly prevalent during the first year of the pandemic.
OBJECTIVE
To objectively analyze the literature over the last five years for empirical evidence of burnout incident to the EHR and to identify barriers, facilitators, associated patient satisfaction to using the EHR to improve symptoms of burnout.
METHODS
No human subjects were used in this review, however 100% of participants in studies analyzed were adult physicians. Four research databases and one targeted journal were queried for studies commensurate with the objective statement from January 1, 2016 through January 31st 2021 (n=25).
RESULTS
The hours spent in documentation and workflow are responsible for the sense of loss of autonomy, lack of work-life balance, lack of control of one’s schedule, cognitive fatigue, a general loss of autonomy and poor relationships with colleagues. Researchers have identified training, local customization of templates and workflow, and the use of scribes to alleviate the administrative burden of the EHR and decreased symptoms of burnout.
CONCLUSIONS
The solutions provided in the literature only addressed two of the three factors, workflow and documentation time, but not the third, usability. Practitioners and administrators should focus on the former two factors because they are within their sphere of control. EHR vendors should focus on empirical evidence to identify usability features with the greatest impact to improve. Researchers should design experiments to explore solutions that address all three factors of the EHR that contribute to burnout.
INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT
RR2-10.2196/15490