6 stats on EHR-related physician burnout and 7 tips to combat it

The American healthcare system is undergoing a burnout epidemic. One so fierce that physicians are 15 times more likely to experience symptoms of burnout than professionals in any other field, according to data compiled by Allscripts.

In a recent infographic, Allscripts aggregated several study and survey results on physician burnout. Here are six statistics:

1. About half (51 percent) of physicians reported frequent feelings of burnout in 2017, up from 40 percent in 2013.

2. Internal medicine residents said they spend five hours each day entering data for 10 patient records.

3. Half of physicians' average workdays are spent entering data into EHRs and conducting clerical work, while just 27 percent of their workdays are spent with patients.

4. Fifty-six percent of physicians said documentation burdens contribute to burnout, and 24 percent blamed increased computerization of EHR work.

5. Over half of physicians (56 percent) suggested that reducing bureaucratic tasks could help alleviate burnout, while 39 percent suggested physicians should spend fewer hours working.

6. Physician burnout could cost the U.S. healthcare industry $17 billion each year.

Allscripts then laid out seven tips to help healthcare organizations reduce the time their physicians dedicate to administrative tasks:

1. Provide sufficient EHR training

2. Practice possible workflows

3. Search for and identify process improvements

4. Leverage templates or other shortcuts

5. Know your computer system inside and out

6. Tap into live or virtual medical scribes

7. Evaluate the resources and people needed to maintain the EHR

Click here for the complete infographic.

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