Exploring the administrative burden faced by hematologists: a comprehensive study in Italy

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Healthcare Administration
• Medical Professional Well-being

Background:

• Administrative burdens are a significant challenge in healthcare systems, affecting patient care and professional practice.
• High administrative workloads can lead to decreased efficiency and job dissatisfaction among medical professionals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the extent of the administrative burden experienced by hematologists in Italy.
• To understand the impact of administrative tasks on hematologists' time allocation and professional well-being.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 1,570 Italian hematologists from May 24 to June 30, 2023.
• The survey included quantitative questions and free-text responses to gather data on time spent on administrative tasks and their perceived impact.

Main Results:

• Hematologists dedicate an average of 47.07% of their time to administrative tasks, with over 63% spending at least half their workday on these duties.
• Patient care is the most affected medical task due to time constraints (57.47%), and nearly half of respondents (45.40%) identified it as the priority needing more time.
• Burnout is prevalent, with 55.17% of hematologists reporting it in the past six months, and administrative tasks like "Forms" (27.59%) and "Scheduling" (24.71%) are major contributors.

Conclusions:

• The administrative workload significantly impacts Italian hematologists' patient care, communication, and increases burnout risk.
• Excessive administrative duties reduce time for patient care, leading to exhaustion and concerns about potential clinical errors.
• Addressing administrative burdens is essential to improve the quality of care and the well-being of hematology professionals.