Jump to content

Choose locationSutter Pacific Medical Foundation
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Open I want to choose my medical group or hospital
    • Clear my location
Change Location
Sutter Health
  • Video Visits
  • Find Doctors
  • Find Locations
  • Treatments & Services
  • Locations
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Video Visits
    • Find Doctors
    • Find Locations
    • Treatments & Services
    • COVID-19 Resources
    • Pay a Bill
    • Symptom Checker
    • Get Care Today
    • Health & Wellness
    • Classes & Events
    • Research & Clinical Trials
    • For Patients
    • About Sutter Health
    • Giving
    • Volunteering
    • Careers
    • News
    • For Medical Professionals
    • Other Business Services
Close Search
  • Home
  • Sutter Pacific
  • Research
  • Mental Health
Content

Physicians’ well-being linked to in-basket messages generated by algorithms In EHRs.

Description

Tai-Seale M, Dillon EC, Yang Y, Nordgren R, Steinberg R, Nauenberg T, Lee TC, Meehan A, Li J, Chan AS, Frosch D., Health Aff. 38(7): https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2018.05509., 2019 Jul 01

Investigators

Albert Chan, M.D., M.S., FAAFP

Abstract

Despite concerns about physicians’ workload associated with electronic health records (EHRs), little attention has been paid to the relationship between physicians’ well-being and the in-basket messages physicians receive—specifically, their volume and sources.

Analyses of EHR work performed by physicians in a multispecialty practice found that in-basket messages generated by the EHR system accounted for almost half (114) of the 243 weekly in-basket messages received per physician, on average—far exceeding the numbers received from their colleagues (53) and patients (30).

In a survey, 36 percent of the physicians reported burnout symptoms, and 29 percent intended to reduce their clinical work time in the upcoming year. Receiving more than the average number of system-generated in-basket messages was associated with 40 percent higher probability of burnout and 38 percent higher probability of intending to reduce clinical work time.

Physicians’ perceptions of a positive work environment were associated with lower odds of burnout and intention to reduce clinical work time and with greater satisfaction with life. Female physicians had a higher risk of burnout and lower satisfaction with life, compared to males.

Meaningful redesign of EHR in-basket workflow and a wellness-enhancing work environment are necessary to effectively improve physicians’ well-being.

Pubmed Abstract

Pubmed AbstractOpens New Window

Associated Topics

  • Health Services
  • Medical Informatics
  • Mental Health
  • Women's Health

Related Publications

Adult obesity and office-based quality of care in the United States.

Ma J, Xiao L, Stafford RS.
Obesity. 17(5):1077–1085.
2009 May 01

Obesity and depression in US women: results from the 2005–2006 National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey.

Ma J, Xiao L.
Obesity. 18(2):347–353.
2010 Feb 01

John & Marcia Goldman Foundation Donates $100K to Improve Behavioral Health in Teens

Palo Alto Medical Foundation Marketing & Communications, Jan. 15, 2015
Palo Alto Medical Foundation Newsroom Blog
2015 Jan 15

Symptom assessment in early psychosis: The use of well-established rating scales in clinical high-risk and recent-onset populations.

Fulford D, Pearson R, Stuart BK, Fisher M, Mathalon DH, Vinogradov S, Loewy RL.
Psychiatry Res. 220(3):1077-83. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2014.07.047. Epub 2014 Aug 1.
2014 Dec 30

Association of mandated language access programming and quality of care provided by mental health agencies.

McClellan SR, Snowden L.
Psychiatr Serv. 2014 Sep 15. doi: 10.1176/appi.ps.201300522. [Epub ahead of print]
2014 Sep 15
The Sutter Health Network of Care
Expertise to fit your needs
Primary Care

Check-ups, screenings and sick visits for adults and children.

Specialty Care

Expertise and advanced technologies in all areas of medicine.

Emergency Care

For serious accidents, injuries and conditions that require immediate medical care.

Urgent Care

After-hours, weekend and holiday services.

Walk-In Care

Convenient walk-in care clinics for your non-urgent health needs.

About Sutter

  • About Our Network
  • Annual Report
  • Awards
  • Community Benefit
  • Contact Us
  • News
  • Giving
  • Find Care

  • Birth Centers
  • Care Centers
  • Emergency Rooms
  • Hospitals
  • Imaging
  • Labs
  • Surgery Centers
  • Urgent Care
  • Walk-In Care
  • View All >
  • Featured Services

  • Behavioral Health
  • Cancer Services
  • Family Medicine
  • Home Health and Hospice
  • Orthopedics
  • Pediatrics
  • Pregnancy
  • Primary Care
  • Women's Health
  • View All >
  • Patient Resources

  • Accepted Health Plans
  • Classes and Events
  • Estimate Costs
  • Health and Wellness
  • Medical Records
  • Medicare Advantage
  • My Health Online
  • Pay a Bill
  • Symptom Checker
  • Our Team

  • For Employees
  • Physician Careers
  • Recruiting Events
  • Residencies and Fellowships
  • Sutter Careers
  • Vendors
  • Volunteers
    • ADA Accessibility
    • Contact
    • Privacy
    • Do Not Sell My Personal Information

    • LinkedIn Opens new window
    • YouTube Opens new window
    • Facebook Opens new window
    • Twitter Opens new window
    • Glassdoor Opens new window
    • Instagram Opens new window

    Copyright © 2022 Sutter Health. All rights reserved. Sutter Health is a registered trademark of Sutter Health ®, Reg. U.S. Patent & Trademark office.

    Cookie Policy

    We use cookies to give you the best possible user experience. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences

    Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences