Electronic Health Record-Related Burnout: Implementing a Data-Driven Quality Improvement Intervention for Ambulatory...

Background Electronic health records (EHRs) have improved healthcare delivery but have also introduced workflow inefficiencies that contribute to clinician burnout. After-hours EHR use has been identified as a key contributor, particularly among ambulatory providers. Objectives To evaluate the impact of a targeted EHR optimization intervention on self-reported EHR-related burnout and perceived efficiency among ambulatory providers following EHR implementation. Methods We conducted a quality improvement interventional study among ambulatory providers after transition to a new EHR. Self-reported EHR-related burnout and user experience outcomes were assessed using pre- and post-optimization surveys. Objective EHR event log data were used to evaluate after-hours EHR activity and efficiency metrics. Descriptive comparisons were performed to evaluate changes in perceived efficiency and after-hours EHR use. Results A total of 60/67 (90%) providers participated, with 57/60 (95%) completing the optimization training, and approximately 37% (22/60) were primary care providers (PCPs). Baseline self-reported EHR-related burnout was common. Following the intervention, most providers who initially reported burnout noted improvement, and nearly all participants reported increased efficiency in EHR use. Providers with higher after-hours EHR use were more likely to report burnout, with PCPs reporting greater after-hours EHR burden compared to non-PCPs. Conclusion EHR-related burnout remains prevalent among ambulatory providers, particularly those with substantial after-hours EHR use. Targeted EHR optimization interventions may improve perceived efficiency and reduce burnout. Further studies with more robust methodologies are needed to better quantify these effects.