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Wu Y, Wu M, Wang C, Lin J, Liu J, Liu S. Evaluating the Prevalence of Burnout Among Health Care Professionals Related to Electronic Health Record Use: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JMIR Med Inform 2024; 12:e54811. [PMID: 38865188 PMCID: PMC11208837 DOI: 10.2196/54811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Burnout among health care professionals is a significant concern, with detrimental effects on health care service quality and patient outcomes. The use of the electronic health record (EHR) system has been identified as a significant contributor to burnout among health care professionals. OBJECTIVE This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess the prevalence of burnout among health care professionals associated with the use of the EHR system, thereby providing evidence to improve health information systems and develop strategies to measure and mitigate burnout. METHODS We conducted a comprehensive search of the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases for English-language peer-reviewed articles published between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2022. Two independent reviewers applied inclusion and exclusion criteria, and study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta-analyses were performed using R (version 4.1.3; R Foundation for Statistical Computing), with EndNote X7 (Clarivate) for reference management. RESULTS The review included 32 cross-sectional studies and 5 case-control studies with a total of 66,556 participants, mainly physicians and registered nurses. The pooled prevalence of burnout among health care professionals in cross-sectional studies was 40.4% (95% CI 37.5%-43.2%). Case-control studies indicated a higher likelihood of burnout among health care professionals who spent more time on EHR-related tasks outside work (odds ratio 2.43, 95% CI 2.31-2.57). CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight the association between the increased use of the EHR system and burnout among health care professionals. Potential solutions include optimizing EHR systems, implementing automated dictation or note-taking, employing scribes to reduce documentation burden, and leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance EHR system efficiency and reduce the risk of burnout. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42021281173; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021281173.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Wu
- Department of Medical Informatics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mingyue Wu
- Information Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Changyu Wang
- West China College of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jie Lin
- Department of Oral Implantology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jialin Liu
- Department of Medical Informatics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Information Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Siru Liu
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
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Chiodo CP, Striano BM, Parker E, Smith JT, Bluman EM, Martin EA, Greco JM, Healey MJ. Primary Care Physician Preferences Regarding Communication from Orthopaedic Surgeons. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2024; 106:760-766. [PMID: 38386720 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.23.00836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Musculoskeletal consultations constitute a growing portion of primary care physician (PCP) referrals. Optimizing communication between PCPs and orthopaedists can potentially reduce time spent in the electronic medical record (EMR) as well as physician burnout. Little is known about the preferences of PCPs regarding communication from orthopaedic surgeons. Hence, the present study investigated, across a large health network, the preferences of PCPs regarding communication from orthopaedists. METHODS A total of 175 PCPs across 15 practices within our health network were surveyed. These providers universally utilized Epic as their EMR platform. Five-point, labeled Likert scales were utilized to assess the PCP-perceived importance of communication from orthopaedists in specific clinical scenarios. PCPs were further asked to report their preferred method of communication in each scenario and their overall interest in communication from orthopaedists. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine whether any PCP characteristics were associated with the preferred method of communication and the overall PCP interest in communication from orthopaedists. RESULTS A total of 107 PCPs (61.1%) responded to the survey. PCPs most commonly rated communication from orthopaedists as highly important in the scenario of an orthopaedist needing information from the PCP. In this scenario, PCPs preferred to receive an Epic Staff Message. Scenarios involving a recommendation for surgery, hospitalization, or a major clinical change were also rated as highly important. In these scenarios, an Epic CC'd Chart rather than a Staff Message was preferred. Increased after-hours EMR use was associated with diminished odds of having a high interest in communication from orthopaedists (odds ratio, 0.65; 95% confidence interval, 0.48 to 0.88; p = 0.005). Ninety-three PCPs (86.9%) reported spending 1 to 1.5 hours or more per day in Epic after normal clinical hours, and 27 (25.2%) spent >3 hours per day. Forty-six PCPs (43.0%) reported experiencing ≥1 symptom of burnout. CONCLUSIONS There were distinct preferences among PCPs regarding clinical communication from orthopaedic surgeons. There was also evidence of substantial burnout and after-hours work effort by PCPs. These results may help to optimize communication between PCPs and orthopaedists while reducing the amount of time that PCPs spend in the EMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher P Chiodo
- Foot and Ankle Division, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Brendan M Striano
- Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Residency Program, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Emily Parker
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jeremy T Smith
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Eric M Bluman
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elizabeth A Martin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Julia M Greco
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Michael J Healey
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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Garcia P, Ma SP, Shah S, Smith M, Jeong Y, Devon-Sand A, Tai-Seale M, Takazawa K, Clutter D, Vogt K, Lugtu C, Rojo M, Lin S, Shanafelt T, Pfeffer MA, Sharp C. Artificial Intelligence-Generated Draft Replies to Patient Inbox Messages. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e243201. [PMID: 38506805 PMCID: PMC10955355 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.3201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance The emergence and promise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) represent a turning point for health care. Rigorous evaluation of generative AI deployment in clinical practice is needed to inform strategic decision-making. Objective To evaluate the implementation of a large language model used to draft responses to patient messages in the electronic inbox. Design, Setting, and Participants A 5-week, prospective, single-group quality improvement study was conducted from July 10 through August 13, 2023, at a single academic medical center (Stanford Health Care). All attending physicians, advanced practice practitioners, clinic nurses, and clinical pharmacists from the Divisions of Primary Care and Gastroenterology and Hepatology were enrolled in the pilot. Intervention Draft replies to patient portal messages generated by a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant electronic health record-integrated large language model. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was AI-generated draft reply utilization as a percentage of total patient message replies. Secondary outcomes included changes in time measures and clinician experience as assessed by survey. Results A total of 197 clinicians were enrolled in the pilot; 35 clinicians who were prepilot beta users, out of office, or not tied to a specific ambulatory clinic were excluded, leaving 162 clinicians included in the analysis. The survey analysis cohort consisted of 73 participants (45.1%) who completed both the presurvey and postsurvey. In gastroenterology and hepatology, there were 58 physicians and APPs and 10 nurses. In primary care, there were 83 physicians and APPs, 4 nurses, and 8 clinical pharmacists. The mean AI-generated draft response utilization rate across clinicians was 20%. There was no change in reply action time, write time, or read time between the prepilot and pilot periods. There were statistically significant reductions in the 4-item physician task load score derivative (mean [SD], 61.31 [17.23] presurvey vs 47.26 [17.11] postsurvey; paired difference, -13.87; 95% CI, -17.38 to -9.50; P < .001) and work exhaustion scores (mean [SD], 1.95 [0.79] presurvey vs 1.62 [0.68] postsurvey; paired difference, -0.33; 95% CI, -0.50 to -0.17; P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance In this quality improvement study of an early implementation of generative AI, there was notable adoption, usability, and improvement in assessments of burden and burnout. There was no improvement in time. Further code-to-bedside testing is needed to guide future development and organizational strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Garcia
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Stephen P Ma
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Shreya Shah
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
- Stanford Healthcare AI Applied Research Team, Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Margaret Smith
- Stanford Healthcare AI Applied Research Team, Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Yejin Jeong
- Stanford Healthcare AI Applied Research Team, Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Anna Devon-Sand
- Stanford Healthcare AI Applied Research Team, Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Ming Tai-Seale
- Department of Family Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla
| | - Kevin Takazawa
- Technology and Digital Solutions, Stanford Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Danyelle Clutter
- Technology and Digital Solutions, Stanford Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Kyle Vogt
- Technology and Digital Solutions, Stanford Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Carlene Lugtu
- Nursing Informatics & Innovation, Stanford Healthcare, Stanford, California
| | - Matthew Rojo
- Technology and Digital Solutions, Stanford Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Steven Lin
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
- Stanford Healthcare AI Applied Research Team, Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Tait Shanafelt
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
- WellMD Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Michael A Pfeffer
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
- Technology and Digital Solutions, Stanford Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Christopher Sharp
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
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Arndt BG, Micek MA, Rule A, Shafer CM, Baltus JJ, Sinsky CA. More Tethered to the EHR: EHR Workload Trends Among Academic Primary Care Physicians, 2019-2023. Ann Fam Med 2024; 22:12-18. [PMID: 38253499 PMCID: PMC11233089 DOI: 10.1370/afm.3047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to evaluate recent trends in primary care physician (PCP) electronic health record (EHR) workload. METHODS This longitudinal study observed the EHR use of 141 academic PCPs over 4 years (May 2019 to March 2023). Ambulatory full-time equivalency (aFTE), visit volume, and panel size were evaluated. Electronic health record time and inbox message volume were measured per 8 hours of scheduled clinic appointments. RESULTS From the pre-COVID-19 pandemic year (May 2019 to February 2020) to the most recent study year (April 2022 to March 2023), the average time PCPs spent in the EHR per 8 hours of scheduled clinic appointments increased (+28.4 minutes, 7.8%), as did time in orders (+23.1 minutes, 58.9%), inbox (+14.0 minutes, 24.4%), chart review (+7.2 minutes, 13.0%), notes (+2.9 minutes, 2.3%), outside scheduled hours on days with scheduled appointments (+6.4 minutes, 8.2%), and on unscheduled days (+13.6 minutes, 19.9%). Primary care physicians received more patient medical advice requests (+5.4 messages, 55.5%) and prescription messages (+2.3, 19.5%) per 8 hours of scheduled clinic appointments, but fewer patient calls (-2.8, -10.5%) and results messages (-0.3, -2.7%). While total time in the EHR continued to increase in the final study year (+7.7 minutes, 2.0%), inbox time decreased slightly from the year prior (-2.2 minutes, -3.0%). Primary care physicians' average aFTE decreased 5.2% from 0.66 to 0.63 over 4 years. CONCLUSIONS Primary care physicians' time in the EHR continues to grow. While PCPs' inbox time may be stabilizing, it is still substantially higher than pre-pandemic levels. It is imperative health systems develop strategies to change the EHR workload trajectory to minimize PCPs' occupational stress and mitigate unnecessary reductions in effective physician workforce resulting from the increased EHR burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian G Arndt
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Mark A Micek
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Adam Rule
- Information School, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Christina M Shafer
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
- Independent consultant, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Jeffrey J Baltus
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Christine A Sinsky
- Professional Satisfaction and Practice Sustainability, American Medical Association, Chicago, Illinois
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McGowan M, Rose D, Paez M, Stewart G, Stockdale S. Frontline perspectives on adoption and non-adoption of care management tools for high-risk patients in primary care. HEALTHCARE (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 11:100719. [PMID: 37748215 DOI: 10.1016/j.hjdsi.2023.100719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Population health management tools (PHMTs) embedded within electronic health records (EHR) could improve management of high-risk patients and reduce costs associated with potentially avoidable emergency department visits or hospitalizations. Adoption of PHMTs across the Veterans Health Administration (VA) has been variable and previous research suggests that understaffed primary care (PC) teams might not be using the tools. METHODS We conducted a retrospective content analysis of open-text responses (n = 1804) from the VA's 2018 national primary care personnel survey to, 1) identify system-level and individual-level factors associated with why clinicians are not using the tools, and 2) to document clinicians' recommendations to improve tool adoption. RESULTS We found three themes pertaining to low adoption and/or tool use: 1) IT burden and administrative tasks (e.g., manually mailing letters to patients), 2) staffing shortages (e.g., nurses covering multiple teams), and 3) no training or difficulty using the tools (e.g., not knowing how to access the tools or use the data). Frontline clinician recommendations included automating some tasks, reconfiguring team roles to shift administrative work away from providers and nurses, consolidating PHMTs into a centralized, easily accessible repository, and providing training. CONCLUSIONS Healthcare system-level factors (staffing) and individual-level factors (lack of training) can limit adoption of PHMTs that could be useful for reducing costs and improving patient outcomes. Future research, including qualitative interviews with clinicians who use/don't use the tools, could help develop interventions to address barriers to adoption. IMPLICATIONS Shifting more administrative tasks to clerical staff would free up clinician time for population health management but may not be possible for understaffed PC teams. Additionally, healthcare systems may be able to increase PHMT use by making them more easily accessible through the electronic health record and providing training in their use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael McGowan
- Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, & Policy, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, USA.
| | - Danielle Rose
- Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, & Policy, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, USA
| | - Monica Paez
- Center for Access and Delivery Research and Evaluation, Iowa City VA Healthcare System, USA
| | - Gregory Stewart
- Center for Access and Delivery Research and Evaluation, Iowa City VA Healthcare System, USA; Department of Management and Organizations, Tippie College of Business, University of Iowa, USA
| | - Susan Stockdale
- Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, & Policy, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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6
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Vaa Stelling B, Halvorsen AJ, Dupras D, Kearns L, Kisielewski M, Martin SK, Uthlaut B, Leasure E. Management of the Electronic Health Record Inbox: Results From a National Survey of Internal Medicine Program Directors. J Grad Med Educ 2023; 15:711-717. [PMID: 38045943 PMCID: PMC10686644 DOI: 10.4300/jgme-d-23-00165.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Internal medicine (IM) resident physicians spend a considerable amount of time managing their inbox as part of their longitudinal continuity clinic experience. There are no standardized guidelines for how programs should train, monitor, or supervise residents in this type of patient care. Objective To understand how IM residency programs educate, monitor, and supervise resident electronic health record (EHR) inbox management as part of their longitudinal continuity clinic and determine whether patient safety events have occurred due to EHR inbox-related patient care decisions made by unsupervised resident physicians. Methods In August 2021, 439 program directors at accredited US IM residency programs who were members of the Association of Program Directors in Internal Medicine (APDIM) were asked 12 questions developed by the study authors and APDIM survey committee members regarding resident EHR inbox management as part of the annual APDIM survey. Results Two hundred and sixty-seven (61%) PDs responded. The majority (224 of 267, 84%) of programs provided guidelines for expected message response times; less than half (115, 43%) monitored timeliness metrics. Only half (135; 51%) of programs required faculty supervision of inbox messages for all residents; 28% (76) did not require supervision for any residents. Twenty-one percent of PDs (56) reported awareness of a patient safety event occurring due to an unsupervised resident inbox-related patient care decision. Conclusions Substantial variability exists in how IM residency programs train, monitor, supervise, and provide coverage for resident inbox work. Program directors are aware of patient safety events resulting from unsupervised resident inbox management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianna Vaa Stelling
- Brianna Vaa Stelling, MD, is Assistant Professor of Medicine, Internal Medicine Residency Program, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Andrew J. Halvorsen
- Andrew J. Halvorsen, MS, is Assistant Professor of Medicine, Internal Medicine Residency Program, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Denise Dupras
- Denise Dupras, MD, PhD, is Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Community Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Lisa Kearns
- Lisa Kearns, MD, MS, is General Internist, Memorial Health, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Michael Kisielewski
- Michael Kisielewski, MA, is Assistant Director of Surveys and Research, Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine, Alexandria, Virginia, USA
| | - Shannon K. Martin
- Shannon K. Martin, MD, MS, is Associate Professor of Medicine, Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Brian Uthlaut
- Brian Uthlaut, MD, is Associate Professor of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; and
| | - Emily Leasure
- Emily Leasure, MD, is Assistant Professor of Medicine, Internal Medicine Residency Program, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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Matthews EB, Stanhope V, Hu Y. Barriers to Health Information Exchange Among Ambulatory Physicians: Results From a Nationally Representative Sample. J Healthc Qual 2023; 45:352-358. [PMID: 37919957 DOI: 10.1097/jhq.0000000000000404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Health information exchange (HIE) improves healthcare quality, but is underutilized by providers. This study used a nationally representative survey of ambulatory physicians to examine barriers to HIE, and identify which barriers have the greatest impact on providers' use of HIE. METHODS A pooled sample of 1,292 physicians from the 2018-2019 National Electronic Health Record Survey was used. Univariate statistics described rates and patterns of eight common barriers to HIE. Multivariate logistic regression examined the relationship between each barrier and the use of HIE. RESULTS Barriers to HIE were common and diverse. Negative attitudes toward HIE's ability to improve clinical quality significantly decreased HIE use (OR = .44, p < .01). CONCLUSIONS To increase adoption of HIE, efforts should focus on addressing providers' negative attitudes toward HIE. These findings can guide targeted implementation strategies to improve HIE adoption.
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Yoo JW, Reed PS, Shen JJ, Carson J, Kang M, Reeves J, Kim Y, Choe I, Kim P, Kim L, Kang HT, Tabrizi M. Impact of Advance Care Planning on the Hospitalization-Associated Utilization and Cost of Patients with Alzheimer's Disease-Related Disorders Receiving Primary Care via Telehealth in a Provider Shortage Area: A Quantitative Pre-Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6157. [PMID: 37372743 PMCID: PMC10298291 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20126157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Telehealth has been adopted as an alternative to in-person primary care visits. With multiple participants able to join remotely, telehealth can facilitate the discussion and documentation of advance care planning (ACP) for those with Alzheimer's disease-related disorders (ADRDs). We measured hospitalization-associated utilization outcomes, instances of hospitalization and 90-day re-hospitalizations from payors' administrative databases and verified the data via electronic health records. We estimated the hospitalization-associated costs using the Nevada State Inpatient Dataset and compared the estimated costs between ADRD patients with and without ACP documentation in the year 2021. Compared to the ADRD patients without ACP documentation, those with ACP documentation were less likely to be hospitalized (mean: 0.74; standard deviation: 0.31; p < 0.01) and were less likely to be readmitted within 90 days of discharge (mean: 0.16; standard deviation: 0.06; p < 0.01). The hospitalization-associated cost estimate for ADRD patients with ACP documentation (mean: USD 149,722; standard deviation: USD 80,850) was less than that of the patients without ACP documentation (mean: USD 200,148; standard deviation: USD 82,061; p < 0.01). Further geriatrics workforce training is called for to enhance ACP competencies for ADRD patients, especially in areas with provider shortages where telehealth plays a comparatively more important role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Won Yoo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA
| | - Peter S. Reed
- Sanford Center for Aging, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
- School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Jay J. Shen
- School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA (Y.K.)
| | - Jennifer Carson
- Sanford Center for Aging, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
- School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Mingon Kang
- Department of Computer Science, Howard Hughes College of Engineering, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA
| | | | - Yonsu Kim
- School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA (Y.K.)
| | - Ian Choe
- Telehealth Divison, Optum Care Network of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89128, USA;
| | - Pearl Kim
- School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA (Y.K.)
| | - Laurie Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA
| | - Hee-Taik Kang
- Department of Family Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Maryam Tabrizi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA
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Lei KC, Loi CI, Cen Z, Li J, Liang Z, Hu H, Chan TF, Ung COL. Adopting an electronic medication administration system in long-term care facilities: a key stakeholder interview study in Macao. Inform Health Soc Care 2023:1-15. [PMID: 36650719 DOI: 10.1080/17538157.2023.2165084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
To improve medication safety for residents in long-term care facilities (LTCFs), electronic medication administration records (eMARs) are widely adopted in Macao. This study aimed to (1) develop a logic model for adopting eMAR in LTCFs and (2) explore the contextual factors relevant to the implementation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with key stakeholders (managers, doctors, nurses, pharmacy staff and other frontline workers) experienced with eMAR in LTCFs in Macao between February and March 2021. Purposive sampling was used for recruitment and thematic analysis followed the theoretical framework of the logic model. All 57 participants were positive about eMAR. Financial and nonfinancial resources were critical to adopting eMAR. eMAR was mostly used for its functions in documentation, e-prescribing and monitoring. Immediate output included simplified working process, reduced errors, closer monitoring of residents' conditions, and timely communication among staff. The outcomes mainly related to efficiency, safety and quality of care, workload redundancy, and data unification. Key influencing factors included eMAR flexibility, stability, and technical support. Adopting eMARs is highly consuming and the benefits in improving quality of care can only be realized with appropriate implementation, precise execution, regular evaluation and responsive adjustment. The proposed logic model framework serves as a roadmap for LTCFs, both current and future users of eMAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka Cheng Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, SAR, China
| | - Cheng I Loi
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, SAR, China
| | - Zhifeng Cen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, SAR, China
| | - Junlei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, SAR, China
| | - Zuanji Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, SAR, China
| | - Hao Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, SAR, China.,Department of Public Health and Medicinal Administration, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, SAR, China
| | - Tek Fai Chan
- Macao Society for Medicinal Administration, Macao, SAR, China
| | - Carolina Oi Lam Ung
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, SAR, China.,Department of Public Health and Medicinal Administration, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, SAR, China
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Bird JE, Nguyen CVT, Hohl SD, D’Angelo H, Pauk D, Adsit RT, Fiore M, Minion M, McCarthy D, Rolland B. Using information technology to integrate tobacco use treatment in routine oncology care: Lessons learned from the U.S. Cancer Center Cessation Initiative Cancer Centers. IMPLEMENTATION RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2023; 4:26334895231185374. [PMID: 37790167 PMCID: PMC10331328 DOI: 10.1177/26334895231185374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer patients who receive evidence-based tobacco-dependence treatment are more likely to quit and remain abstinent, but tobacco treatment programs (TTPs) are not consistently offered. In 2017, the U.S. National Cancer Institute, through the Cancer Moonshot, funded the Cancer Center Cessation Initiative (C3I). C3I supports 52 cancer centers to implement and expand evidence-based tobacco treatment in routine oncology care. Integration into routine care involves the use of health information technology (IT), including modifying electronic health records and clinical workflows. Here, we examine C3I cancer centers' IT leadership involvement and experiences in tobacco-dependence treatment implementation. Method This qualitative study of C3I-funded cancer centers integrated data from online surveys and in-person, semistructured interviews with IT leaders. We calculated descriptive statistics of survey data and applied content analysis to interview transcripts. Results Themes regarding IT personnel included suggestions to involve IT early, communicate regularly, understand the roles and influence of the IT team, and match program design with IT funding and resources. Themes regarding electronic health record (EHR) modifications included beginning modifications early to account for long lead time to make changes, working with IT to identify and adapt existing EHR tools for TTP or designing tools that will support a desired workflow developed with end-users, and working with IT personnel to make sure TTPs comply with system and state policies (e.g., privacy laws). Conclusions The experiences of C3I cancer centers regarding the use of health IT to enhance tobacco-dependence treatment program implementation can guide cancer centers and community oncology practices to potentially enhance TTP implementation and patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E. Bird
- Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Claire VT Nguyen
- Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sarah D. Hohl
- Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Heather D’Angelo
- Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Danielle Pauk
- Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Robert T. Adsit
- Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Michael Fiore
- Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Mara Minion
- Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Danielle McCarthy
- Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Betsy Rolland
- Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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11
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Porter J, Boyd C, Skandari MR, Laiteerapong N. Revisiting the Time Needed to Provide Adult Primary Care. J Gen Intern Med 2023; 38:147-155. [PMID: 35776372 PMCID: PMC9848034 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-022-07707-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 77.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many patients do not receive guideline-recommended preventive, chronic disease, and acute care. One potential explanation is insufficient time for primary care providers (PCPs) to provide care. OBJECTIVE To quantify the time needed to provide 2020 preventive care, chronic disease care, and acute care for a nationally representative adult patient panel by a PCP alone, and by a PCP as part of a team-based care model. DESIGN Simulation study applying preventive and chronic disease care guidelines to hypothetical patient panels. PARTICIPANTS Hypothetical panels of 2500 patients, representative of the adult US population based on the 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. MAIN MEASURES The mean time required for a PCP to provide guideline-recommended preventive, chronic disease and acute care to the hypothetical patient panels. Estimates were also calculated for visit documentation time and electronic inbox management time. Times were re-estimated in the setting of team-based care. KEY RESULTS PCPs were estimated to require 26.7 h/day, comprising of 14.1 h/day for preventive care, 7.2 h/day for chronic disease care, 2.2 h/day for acute care, and 3.2 h/day for documentation and inbox management. With team-based care, PCPs were estimated to require 9.3 h per day (2.0 h/day for preventive care and 3.6 h/day for chronic disease care, 1.1 h/day for acute care, and 2.6 h/day for documentation and inbox management). CONCLUSIONS PCPs do not have enough time to provide the guideline-recommended primary care. With team-based care the time requirements would decrease by over half, but still be excessive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Porter
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Cynthia Boyd
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - M Reza Skandari
- Imperial College Business School, Centre for Health Economics & Policy Innovation, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Neda Laiteerapong
- Departments of Medicine & Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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12
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Martinez KA, Sullivan AB, Linfield DT, Shaker V, Yu PC, Rothberg MB. Change in Physician Burnout between 2013 and 2020 in a Major Health System. South Med J 2022; 115:645-650. [PMID: 35922054 DOI: 10.14423/smj.0000000000001428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Assessing changes in physician burnout over time can offer insight into the causes of burnout. Existing studies are limited by using different samples of physicians at each time point. Our objective was to assess changes in burnout between 2013-2014 and 2019-2020 overall and within a cohort of physicians who took the survey twice. METHODS This is a longitudinal cohort and cross-sectional study of physicians in a major health system. They were administered the Maslach Burnout Inventory in 2013-2014 and 2019-2020. We separately assessed differences in odds of burnout and its subscales in 2013-2014 and 2019-2020 by physician characteristics and clinical time. We then assessed differences in the odds of reporting burnout and its subscales in 2019-2020 compared with 2013-2014 overall and by physician sex, race, and change in clinical full-time employment. RESULTS There were 1220 respondents in 2013-2014, 503 in 2019-2020, and 149 who responded at both time points. Burnout increased from 35% to 56%. Compared with 2013-2014, physicians had 2.39 higher odds (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.92-2.98) of burnout in 2019-2020, and this change in burnout was significantly more pronounced for female versus male physicians (odds ratio 1.80; 95% CI 1.57-1.80). Compared with White physicians, non-White physicians had significantly lower odds of burnout at both time points, but their odds increased significantly more over time (odds ratio 1.36; 95% CI 1.05-1.57). CONCLUSIONS We found a substantial increase in burnout over time, which was particularly pronounced for non-White and female physicians. Assessment over time is essential for understanding problematic trajectories of burnout that may be obscured by cross-sectional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn A Martinez
- From the Center for Value-Based Care Research, the Neurological Institute, the Lerner College of Medicine, and the Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Amy B Sullivan
- From the Center for Value-Based Care Research, the Neurological Institute, the Lerner College of Medicine, and the Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Debra T Linfield
- From the Center for Value-Based Care Research, the Neurological Institute, the Lerner College of Medicine, and the Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Victoria Shaker
- From the Center for Value-Based Care Research, the Neurological Institute, the Lerner College of Medicine, and the Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Pei-Chun Yu
- From the Center for Value-Based Care Research, the Neurological Institute, the Lerner College of Medicine, and the Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Michael B Rothberg
- From the Center for Value-Based Care Research, the Neurological Institute, the Lerner College of Medicine, and the Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
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13
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Emamekhoo H, Carroll CB, Stietz C, Pier JB, Lavitschke MD, Mulkerin D, Sesto ME, Tevaarwerk AJ. Supporting Structured Data Capture for Patients With Cancer: An Initiative of the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center Survivorship Program to Improve Capture of Malignant Diagnosis and Cancer Staging Data. JCO Clin Cancer Inform 2022; 6:e2200020. [PMID: 35802837 DOI: 10.1200/cci.22.00020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Structured data elements within electronic health records are health-related information that can be entered, stored, and extracted in an organized manner at later time points. Tracking outcomes for cancer survivors is also enabled by structured data. We sought to increase structured data capture within oncology practices at multiple sites sharing the same electronic health records. METHODS Applying engineering approaches and the Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle, we launched dual quality improvement initiatives to ensure that a malignant diagnosis and stage were captured as structured data. Intervention: Close Visit Validation (CVV) requires providers to satisfy certain criteria before closing ambulatory encounters. CVV may be used to track open clinical encounters and chart delinquencies to encourage optimal clinical workflows. We added two cancer-specific required criteria at the time of closing encounters in oncology clinics: (1) the presence of at least one malignant diagnosis on the Problem List and (2) staging all the malignant diagnoses on the Problem List when appropriate. RESULTS Six months before the CVV implementation, the percentage of encounters with a malignant diagnosis on the Problem List at the time of the encounter was 65%, whereas the percentage of encounters with a staged diagnosis was 32%. Three months after cancer-specific CVV implementation, the percentages were 85% and 75%, respectively. Rates had increased to 90% and 88% more than 2 years after implementation. CONCLUSION Oncologist performance improved after the implementation of cancer-specific CVV criteria, with persistently high percentages of relevant malignant diagnoses and cancer stage structured data capture 2 years after the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Emamekhoo
- University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI.,Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Mary E Sesto
- University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI.,Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI
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14
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Kruse CS, Mileski M, Dray G, Johnson Z, Shaw C, Shirodkar H. Physician Burnout and the Electronic Health Record Leading up to and During The First Year of COVID-19: A Systematic Review (Preprint). J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e36200. [PMID: 35120019 PMCID: PMC9015762 DOI: 10.2196/36200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Physician burnout was first documented in 1974, and the electronic health record (EHR) has been known to contribute to the symptoms of physician burnout. Authors pondered the extent of this effect, recognizing the increased use of telemedicine during the first year of COVID-19. Objective The aim of this review was to objectively analyze the literature over the last 5 years for empirical evidence of burnout incident to the EHR and to identify barriers to, facilitators to, and associated patient satisfaction with using the EHR to improve symptoms of burnout. Methods No human participants were involved in this review; however, 100% of participants in studies analyzed were adult physicians. We queried 4 research databases and 1 targeted journal for studies commensurate with the objective statement from January 1, 2016 through January 31, 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 as strategies to alleviate the administrative burden of the EHR and decrease symptoms of burnout. Conclusions The solutions provided in the literature only addressed 2 of the 3 factors (workflow and documentation time) but not the third factor (usability). Practitioners and administrators should focus on the former 2 factors because they are within their sphere of control. EHR vendors should focus on empirical evidence to identify and improve the usability features with the greatest impact. Researchers should design experiments to explore solutions that address all 3 factors of the EHR that contribute to burnout. Trial Registration PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42020201820; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=201820 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/15490
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemens Scott Kruse
- School of Health Administration, College of Health Professions, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, United States
| | - Michael Mileski
- School of Health Administration, College of Health Professions, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, United States
| | - Gevin Dray
- School of Health Administration, College of Health Professions, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, United States
| | - Zakia Johnson
- School of Health Administration, College of Health Professions, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, United States
| | - Cameron Shaw
- School of Health Administration, College of Health Professions, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, United States
| | - Harsha Shirodkar
- School of Health Administration, College of Health Professions, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, United States
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15
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Leonard LD, Himelhoch B, Huynh V, Wolverton D, Jaiswal K, Ahrendt G, Sams S, Cumbler E, Schulick R, Tevis SE. Patient and clinician perceptions of the immediate release of electronic health information. Am J Surg 2021; 224:27-34. [PMID: 34903369 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2021.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The 21st Century Cures Act requires that institutions release all electronic health information (EHI) to patients immediately. We aimed to understand patient and clinician attitudes toward the immediate release of EHI to patients. METHODS Patients and clinicians representing distinct specialties at a single academic medical center completed a survey to assess attitudes toward the immediate release of results. Differences between patient and clinician responses were compared using chi-square and student's t-test for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. A two-sided significance level of 0.05 was used for all statistical tests. RESULTS 69 clinicians and 57 patients completed the survey. Both patients (89.7%) and clinicians (80.6%) agreed or strongly agreed-here after referred to as agreed, that providing patients with access to their health information is necessary in delivering high-quality care. However, 62.7% of clinicians agreed that results released immediately would be more confusing than helpful, whereas the minority of patients agreed with this statement (15.8%) (p < 0.05). Providers were also more likely to disagree that patients are comfortable independently interpreting blood work results (p < 0.05), radiology results (p < 0.05) and pathology reports (p < 0.05). With regard to timing, the majority of patients (75.1%) felt their provider should contact them within 24 h of the release of an abnormal result, whereas only 9.0% of clinicians agreed with this timeframe (p < 0.05). DISCUSSIONS Patients and clinicians value information transparency. However, the immediate release of results is controversial, especially among clinicians. The discrepancy between patient and clinician perceptions underlines the importance of setting expectations about the communication of results. Additionally, our results emphasize the need to implement strategies to help improve patient comprehension, decrease patient distress and improve clinician workflows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura D Leonard
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12631 East, 17th Ave. 6th Floor, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Ben Himelhoch
- Department of Radiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12401 East 17th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Victoria Huynh
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12631 East, 17th Ave. 6th Floor, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Dulcy Wolverton
- Department of Radiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12401 East 17th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Kshama Jaiswal
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12631 East, 17th Ave. 6th Floor, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Gretchen Ahrendt
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12631 East, 17th Ave. 6th Floor, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Sharon Sams
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12631 East 17th Ave, 2nd Floor, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Ethan Cumbler
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12631 East, 17th Ave. 6th Floor, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12631 East 17th Ave, 8th Floor, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Richard Schulick
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12631 East, 17th Ave. 6th Floor, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Sarah E Tevis
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12631 East, 17th Ave. 6th Floor, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
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16
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Dymek C, Kim B, Melton GB, Payne TH, Singh H, Hsiao CJ. Building the evidence-base to reduce electronic health record-related clinician burden. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2021; 28:1057-1061. [PMID: 33340326 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocaa238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinicians face competing pressures of being clinically productive while using imperfect electronic health record (EHR) systems and maximizing face-to-face time with patients. EHR use is increasingly associated with clinician burnout and underscores the need for interventions to improve clinicians' experiences. With an aim of addressing this need, we share evidence-based informatics approaches, pragmatic next steps, and future research directions to improve 3 of the highest contributors to EHR burden: (1) documentation, (2) chart review, and (3) inbox tasks. These approaches leverage speech recognition technologies, natural language processing, artificial intelligence, and redesign of EHR workflow and user interfaces. We also offer a perspective on how EHR vendors, healthcare system leaders, and policymakers all play an integral role while sharing responsibility in helping make evidence-based sociotechnical solutions available and easy to use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Dymek
- Division of Digital Healthcare Research, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Bryan Kim
- Healthcare Delivery and Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Genevieve B Melton
- Department of Surgery and Institute for Health Informatics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Thomas H Payne
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Hardeep Singh
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Chun-Ju Hsiao
- Division of Digital Healthcare Research, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, Maryland, USA
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17
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Wu DTY, Xu C, Kim A, Bindhu S, Mah KE, Eckman MH. A Scoping Review of Health Information Technology in Clinician Burnout. Appl Clin Inform 2021; 12:597-620. [PMID: 34233369 PMCID: PMC8263130 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1731399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinician burnout is a prevalent issue in healthcare, with detrimental implications in healthcare quality and medical costs due to errors. The inefficient use of health information technologies (HIT) is attributed to having a role in burnout. OBJECTIVE This paper seeks to review the literature with the following two goals: (1) characterize and extract HIT trends in burnout studies over time, and (2) examine the evidence and synthesize themes of HIT's roles in burnout studies. METHODS A scoping literature review was performed by following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines with two rounds of searches in PubMed, IEEE Xplore, ACM, and Google Scholar. The retrieved papers and their references were screened for eligibility by using developed inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were extracted from included papers and summarized either statistically or qualitatively to demonstrate patterns. RESULTS After narrowing down the initial 945 papers, 36 papers were included. All papers were published between 2013 and 2020; nearly half of them focused on primary care (n = 16; 44.4%). The most commonly studied variable was electronic health record (EHR) practices (e.g., number of clicks). The most common study population was physicians. HIT played multiple roles in burnout studies: it can contribute to burnout; it can be used to measure burnout; or it can intervene and mitigate burnout levels. CONCLUSION This scoping review presents trends in HIT-centered burnout studies and synthesizes three roles for HIT in contributing to, measuring, and mitigating burnout. Four recommendations were generated accordingly for future burnout studies: (1) validate and standardize HIT burnout measures; (2) focus on EHR-based solutions to mitigate clinician burnout; (3) expand burnout studies to other specialties and types of healthcare providers, and (4) utilize mobile and tracking technology to study time efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danny T. Y. Wu
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Ohio, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
- Division of Cardiology, The Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
| | - Catherine Xu
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Ohio, United States
- Medical Science Baccalaureate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Ohio, United States
| | - Abraham Kim
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Ohio, United States
- Medical Science Baccalaureate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Ohio, United States
| | - Shwetha Bindhu
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Ohio, United States
- Medical Science Baccalaureate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Ohio, United States
| | - Kenneth E. Mah
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
- Division of Cardiology, The Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
| | - Mark H. Eckman
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Ohio, United States
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18
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Akbar F, Mark G, Prausnitz S, Warton EM, East JA, Moeller MF, Reed ME, Lieu TA. Physician Stress During Electronic Health Record Inbox Work: In Situ Measurement With Wearable Sensors. JMIR Med Inform 2021; 9:e24014. [PMID: 33908888 PMCID: PMC8116996 DOI: 10.2196/24014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Increased work through electronic health record (EHR) messaging is frequently cited as a factor of physician burnout. However, studies to date have relied on anecdotal or self-reported measures, which limit the ability to match EHR use patterns with continuous stress patterns throughout the day. Objective The aim of this study is to collect EHR use and physiologic stress data through unobtrusive means that provide objective and continuous measures, cluster distinct patterns of EHR inbox work, identify physicians’ daily physiologic stress patterns, and evaluate the association between EHR inbox work patterns and physician physiologic stress. Methods Physicians were recruited from 5 medical centers. Participants (N=47) were given wrist-worn devices (Garmin Vivosmart 3) with heart rate sensors to wear for 7 days. The devices measured physiological stress throughout the day based on heart rate variability (HRV). Perceived stress was also measured with self-reports through experience sampling and a one-time survey. From the EHR system logs, the time attributed to different activities was quantified. By using a clustering algorithm, distinct inbox work patterns were identified and their associated stress measures were compared. The effects of EHR use on physician stress were examined using a generalized linear mixed effects model. Results Physicians spent an average of 1.08 hours doing EHR inbox work out of an average total EHR time of 3.5 hours. Patient messages accounted for most of the inbox work time (mean 37%, SD 11%). A total of 3 patterns of inbox work emerged: inbox work mostly outside work hours, inbox work mostly during work hours, and inbox work extending after hours that were mostly contiguous to work hours. Across these 3 groups, physiologic stress patterns showed 3 periods in which stress increased: in the first hour of work, early in the afternoon, and in the evening. Physicians in group 1 had the longest average stress duration during work hours (80 out of 243 min of valid HRV data; P=.02), as measured by physiological sensors. Inbox work duration, the rate of EHR window switching (moving from one screen to another), the proportion of inbox work done outside of work hours, inbox work batching, and the day of the week were each independently associated with daily stress duration (marginal R2=15%). Individual-level random effects were significant and explained most of the variation in stress (conditional R2=98%). Conclusions This study is among the first to demonstrate associations between electronic inbox work and physiological stress. We identified 3 potentially modifiable factors associated with stress: EHR window switching, inbox work duration, and inbox work outside work hours. Organizations seeking to reduce physician stress may consider system-based changes to reduce EHR window switching or inbox work duration or the incorporation of inbox management time into work hours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatema Akbar
- Department of Informatics, Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Gloria Mark
- Department of Informatics, Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Stephanie Prausnitz
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, United States
| | - E Margaret Warton
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, United States
| | - Jeffrey A East
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, CA, United States.,Department of Adult and Family Medicine, Kaiser Permanente, Richmond, CA, United States.,Department of Adult and Family Medicine, Kaiser Permanente, San Rafael, CA, United States
| | - Mark F Moeller
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, CA, United States.,Department of Adult and Family Medicine, Kaiser Permanente, Napa, CA, United States
| | - Mary E Reed
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, United States
| | - Tracy A Lieu
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, United States.,The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, CA, United States
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19
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Hilliard RW, Haskell J, Gardner RL. Are specific elements of electronic health record use associated with clinician burnout more than others? J Am Med Inform Assoc 2021; 27:1401-1410. [PMID: 32719859 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocaa092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study sought to examine the association between clinician burnout and measures of electronic health record (EHR) workload and efficiency, using vendor-derived EHR action log data. MATERIALS AND METHODS We combined data from a statewide clinician survey on burnout with Epic EHR data from the ambulatory sites of 2 large health systems; the combined dataset included 422 clinicians. We examined whether specific EHR workload and efficiency measures were independently associated with burnout symptoms, using multivariable logistic regression and controlling for clinician characteristics. RESULTS Clinicians with the highest volume of patient call messages had almost 4 times the odds of burnout compared with clinicians with the fewest (adjusted odds ratio, 3.81; 95% confidence interval, 1.44-10.14; P = .007). No other workload measures were significantly associated with burnout. No efficiency variables were significantly associated with burnout in the main analysis; however, in a subset of clinicians for whom note entry data were available, clinicians in the top quartile of copy and paste use were significantly less likely to report burnout, with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.22 (95% confidence interval, 0.05-0.93; P = .039). DISCUSSION High volumes of patient call messages were significantly associated with clinician burnout, even when accounting for other measures of workload and efficiency. In the EHR, "patient calls" encompass many of the inbox tasks occurring outside of face-to-face visits and likely represent an important target for improving clinician well-being. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that increased workload is associated with burnout and that EHR efficiency tools are not likely to reduce burnout symptoms, with the exception of copy and paste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross W Hilliard
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | | | - Rebekah L Gardner
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.,Healthcentric Advisors, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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20
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Lieu TA, Warton EM, East JA, Moeller MF, Prausnitz S, Ballesca M, Mark G, Akbar F, Awsare S, Chen YFI, Reed ME. Evaluation of Attention Switching and Duration of Electronic Inbox Work Among Primary Care Physicians. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2031856. [PMID: 33475754 PMCID: PMC7821028 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.31856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Primary care physicians (PCPs) report multitasking during workdays while processing electronic inbox messages, but scant systematic information exists on attention switching and its correlates in the health care setting. OBJECTIVES To describe PCPs' frequency of attention switching associated with electronic inbox work, identify potentially modifiable factors associated with attention switching and inbox work duration, and compare the relative association of attention switching and other factors with inbox work duration. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cross-sectional study of the work of 1275 PCPs in an integrated group serving 4.5 million patients used electronic health record (EHR) access logs from March 1 to 31, 2018, to evaluate PCPs' frequency of attention switching. Statistical analysis was performed from October 15, 2018, to August 28, 2020. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Attention switching was defined as switching between the electronic inbox, other EHR work, and non-EHR periods. Inbox work duration included minutes spent on electronic inbox message views and related EHR tasks. Multivariable models controlled for the exposures. RESULTS The 1275 PCPs studied (721 women [56.5%]; mean [SD] age, 45.9 [8.5] years) had a mean (SD) of 9.0 (7.6) years of experience with the medical group and received a mean (SD) of 332.6 (148.3) (interquartile range, 252-418) new inbox messages weekly. On workdays, PCPs made a mean (SD) of 79.4 (21.8) attention switches associated with inbox work and did a mean (SD) 64.2 (18.7) minutes of inbox work over the course of 24 hours on workdays. In the model for attention switching, each additional patient secure message beyond the reference value was associated with 0.289 (95% CI, 0.217-0.362) additional switches, each additional results message was associated with 0.203 (95% CI, 0.127-0.278) additional switches, each additional request message was associated with 0.190 (95% CI, 0.124-0.257) additional switches, and each additional administrative message was associated with 0.262 (95% CI, 0.166-0.358) additional switches. Having a panel (a list of patients assigned to a primary care team) with more elderly patients (0.144 switches per percentage increase [95% CI, 0.009-0.278]) and higher inbox work duration (0.468 switches per additional minute of inbox work [95% CI, 0.411-0.524]) were also associated with higher attention switching involving the inbox. In the model for inbox work duration, each additional patient secure message beyond the reference value was associated with 0.151 (95% CI, 0.085-0.217) additional minutes, each additional results message was associated with 0.338 (95% CI, 0.272-0.404) additional minutes, each additional request message was associated with 0.101 (95% CI, 0.041-0.161) additional minutes, and each additional administrative message was associated with 0.179 (95% CI, 0.093-0.265) additional minutes. A higher percentage of the panel's patients initiating messages (0.386 minutes per percentage increase [95% CI, 0.026-0.745]) and attention switches (0.373 minutes per switch [95% CI, 0.328-0.419]) were also associated with higher inbox work duration. In addition, working at a medical center where all PCPs had high inbox work duration was independently associated with high or low inbox work duration. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This study suggests that PCPs make frequent attention switches during workdays while processing electronic inbox messages. Message quantity was associated with both attention switching and inbox work duration. Physician and patient panel characteristics had less association with attention switching and inbox work duration. Assisting PCPs with message quantity might help modulate both attention switching and inbox work duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy A. Lieu
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, California
| | | | - Jeffrey A. East
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, California
- Department of Adult and Family Medicine, Kaiser Permanente, Richmond, California
- Department of Adult and Family Medicine, Kaiser Permanente, San Rafael, California
| | - Mark F. Moeller
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, California
- Department of Adult and Family Medicine, Kaiser Permanente, Napa, California
| | | | - Manuel Ballesca
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, California
- Department of Adult and Family Medicine, Kaiser Permanente, Napa, California
| | - Gloria Mark
- Department of Informatics, Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences, University of California, Irvine
| | - Fatema Akbar
- Department of Informatics, Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences, University of California, Irvine
| | | | | | - Mary E. Reed
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland
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21
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Lourie EM, Stevens LA, Webber EC. Measuring success: perspectives from three optimization programs on assessing impact in the age of burnout. JAMIA Open 2020; 3:492-495. [PMID: 33655200 PMCID: PMC7903326 DOI: 10.1093/jamiaopen/ooaa056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Electronic health record (EHR) optimization has been identified as a best practice to reduce burnout and improve user satisfaction; however, measuring success can be challenging. The goal of this manuscript is to describe the limitations of measuring optimizations and opportunities to combine assessments for a more comprehensive evaluation of optimization outcomes. The authors review lessons from 3 U.S. healthcare institutions that presented their experiences and recommendations at the American Medical Informatics Association 2020 Clinical Informatics conference, describing uses and limitations of vendor time-based reports and surveys utilized in optimization programs. Compiling optimization outcomes supports a multi-faceted approach that can produce assessments even as time-based reports and technology change. The authors recommend that objective measures of optimization must be combined with provider and clinician-defined value to provide long term improvements in user satisfaction and reduce EHR-related burnout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eli M Lourie
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lindsay A Stevens
- Department of Information Services, Stanford Children's Health, Palo Alto, California, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Emily C Webber
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.,Division of Clinical Informatics, Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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22
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Butler JM, Gibson B, Lewis L, Reiber G, Kramer H, Rupper R, Herout J, Long B, Massaro D, Nebeker J. Patient-centered care and the electronic health record: exploring functionality and gaps. JAMIA Open 2020; 3:360-368. [PMID: 33215071 DOI: 10.1093/jamiaopen/ooaa044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Healthcare systems have adopted electronic health records (EHRs) to support clinical care. Providing patient-centered care (PCC) is a goal of many healthcare systems. In this study, we sought to explore how existing EHR systems support PCC; defined as understanding the patient as a whole person, building relational connections between the clinician and patient, and supporting patients in health self-management. Materials and Methods We assessed availability of EHR functions consistent with providing PCC including patient goals and preferences, integrated care plans, and contextual and patient-generated data. We surveyed and then interviewed technical representatives and expert clinical users of 6 leading EHR systems. Questions focused on the availability of specific data and functions related to PCC (for technical representatives) and the clinical usefulness of PCC functions (for clinicians) in their EHR. Results Technical representatives (n = 6) reported that patient communication preferences, personalized indications for medications, and end of life preferences were functions implemented across 6 systems. Clinician users (n = 10) reported moderate usefulness of PCC functions (medians of 2-4 on a 5-pointy -35t scale), suggesting the potential for improvement across systems. Interviews revealed that clinicians do not have a shared conception of PCC. In many cases, data needed to deliver PCC was available in the EHR only in unstructured form. Data systems and functionality to support PCC are under development in these EHRs. Discussion and Conclusion There are current gaps in PCC functionality in EHRs and opportunities to support the practice of PCC through EHR redesign.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorie M Butler
- Geriatric Research and Clinical Center (GRECC), George E. Wahlen Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,Informatics, Decision-Enhancement, and Analytic Sciences (IDEAS) Center of Innovation, George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Bryan Gibson
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Lacey Lewis
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement, and Analytic Sciences (IDEAS) Center of Innovation, George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Gayle Reiber
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement, and Analytic Sciences (IDEAS) Center of Innovation, George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Heidi Kramer
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Rand Rupper
- Geriatric Research and Clinical Center (GRECC), George E. Wahlen Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Jennifer Herout
- Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Health Informatics, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Brenna Long
- Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Health Informatics, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - David Massaro
- Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Health Informatics, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Jonathan Nebeker
- Geriatric Research and Clinical Center (GRECC), George E. Wahlen Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Health Informatics, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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23
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Sinsky CA, Biddison LD, Mallick A, Dopp AL, Perlo J, Lynn L, Smith CD. Organizational Evidence-Based and Promising Practices for Improving Clinician Well-Being. NAM Perspect 2020; 2020:202011a. [PMID: 35291739 PMCID: PMC8916810 DOI: 10.31478/202011a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
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24
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Lieu TA, Altschuler A, Weiner JZ, East JA, Moeller MF, Prausnitz S, Reed ME, Warton EM, Goler N, Awsare S. Primary Care Physicians' Experiences With and Strategies for Managing Electronic Messages. JAMA Netw Open 2019; 2:e1918287. [PMID: 31880798 PMCID: PMC6991215 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.18287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The increasing use of electronic communications has enhanced access to physicians for patients and clinical staff. Primary care physicians (PCPs) have anecdotally identified electronic inbox management as a new source of work-related stress. OBJECTIVES To describe PCPs' experiences managing their electronic inboxes and to characterize the array of management strategies developed by individual physicians and practice groups. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This qualitative study was conducted in 8 medical centers of a large group practice with more than 4 million patients in diverse settings and a mature electronic health record. The group encourages patients to use portal secure messaging to enhance access to their physicians and the care experience. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 24 internists and family medicine physicians identified via snowball sampling. Interviews were conducted July through November 2018. Data analysis was conducted between November 2018 and April 2019. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Audio recorded interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify major themes and subthemes. RESULTS The 24 participants (12 women [50.0%]; mean [SD] age, 45.5 [6.5] years), including 9 department chiefs and 15 PCPs, had a mean (SD) of 16.8 (7.8) years since medical school graduation. Participants described substantial changes in medical practice due to electronic communication, including perceived patient expectations to receive rapid responses to portal secure messages. They described portal secure messaging as useful for building relationships with patients, but also reported that electronic message management has created new stressors, including erosion of work-life boundaries and anxiety associated with unlimited inbox volume. Individual PCPs used a diverse array of strategies, including multitasking during and outside work and delegating to medical assistants. Chiefs described group-level strategies, including reserving clinic time for inbox management, coverage systems for vacation and sick days, physician-to-physician training, and interdisciplinary teams to share messaging work. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Individual physicians and local practice groups have developed a wide array of strategies for electronic inbox management. The volume of electronic messages and PCPs' perceptions that patients expect rapid responses have created new stressors in primary care practice. Medical groups and health systems can support PCPs by facilitating knowledge transfer among physicians about inbox management strategies and further developing team structures for inbox coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy A. Lieu
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, California
| | - Andrea Altschuler
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland
| | - Jonathan Z. Weiner
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, California
| | - Jeffrey A. East
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, California
- Department of Adult and Family Medicine, Kaiser Permanente Richmond, Richmond, California
| | - Mark F. Moeller
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, California
- Department of Adult and Family Medicine, Kaiser Permanente Napa, Napa, California
| | | | - Mary E. Reed
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland
| | | | - Nancy Goler
- The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, California
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25
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Murphy DR, Giardina TD, Satterly T, Sittig DF, Singh H. An Exploration of Barriers, Facilitators, and Suggestions for Improving Electronic Health Record Inbox-Related Usability: A Qualitative Analysis. JAMA Netw Open 2019; 2:e1912638. [PMID: 31584683 PMCID: PMC6784746 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.12638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Managing messages in the electronic health record (EHR) inbox consumes substantial amounts of physician time. Certain factors associated with inbox management, such as poor usability and excessive and unnecessary inbox messages, have been associated with physician burnout. Additionally, inbox design, usability, and workflows are associated with physicians' situational awareness (ie, perception, comprehension, and projection of clinical status) and efficiency of processing EHR inbox messages. Understanding factors associated with inbox usability could improve future EHR inbox designs and workflows, thus reducing risk of burnout while improving patient safety. OBJECTIVE To determine barriers, facilitators, and suggestions associated with EHR inbox-related usability. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This qualitative study included cognitive walkthroughs of EHR inbox management with 25 physicians (17 primary care physicians and 8 specialists) at 6 large health care organizations using 4 different EHR systems between May 6, 2015, and September 19, 2016. While processing EHR inbox messages, participants identified facilitators and barriers associated with EHR inbox situational awareness and processing efficiency and potential interventions to address such barriers. A qualitative analysis was performed on transcribed recordings using an inductive thematic approach with an 8-dimension sociotechnical model as a theoretical lens from May 6, 2015, to August 15, 2019. RESULTS The cognitive walkthroughs identified 60 barriers, 32 facilitators, and 28 suggestions for improving the EHR inbox. Emergent data fit within 5 major themes: message processing complexity, inbox interface design, cognitive load, team communication, and inbox message content. Within these themes, similar barriers were identified across sites, such as poor usability due the high numbers of clicks needed to accomplish actions. In certain instances, an identified facilitator at one site provided the exact solution needed to address a barrier identified at another site. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This qualitative study found that usability of the EHR inbox is often suboptimal and variable across sites, suggesting lack of shared best practices related to information management. Implementation of optimized design features and workflows will require EHR developers and health care organizations to collectively share this responsibility. Development of regional or national consortia to support collaborative sharing and implementation of EHR system best practices across EHR developers and health care organizations could also improve safety and efficiency and reduce physician burnout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R. Murphy
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Traber D. Giardina
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Tyler Satterly
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Dean F. Sittig
- School of Biomedical Informatics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston
- Center for Healthcare Quality and Safety, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston
| | - Hardeep Singh
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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26
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Malay DS. Feel the Burn…Out. J Foot Ankle Surg 2019; 58:821. [PMID: 31474395 DOI: 10.1053/j.jfas.2019.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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