Physicians Reluctantly Pack the EHR in Their Carry-on Luggage

A physician’s most intrusive, unwelcome and demanding travel companion just may be the EHR—the coworker they can’t leave behind, according to a recent study published in JAMA Network Open.The study on EHR use during paid time off (PTO) showed that, too often, physicians must continue to work during what is intended to be vacation time. This is something that contributes to physician burnout, poor job satisfaction and turnover.In fact, primary care physicians often toil in the EHR during what was supposed to be time off, “particularly at the start and end of longer vacations, reflecting challenges in fully disconnecting from work,” the study says.A previous study, using a national survey of 3,024 physicians in different specialties, found that 70.4% reported having worked during their vacation and 59.6% took 15 or fewer vacation days in the previous year.

Medigy Insights

Research shows that taking more—and more restorative—vacation time, is associated with less likelihood of burnout. In 2023, the physician burnout rate dropped to 48.2%, the first time in four years that the rate was below 50%. But many physicians continue to suffer the ill effects of burnout—and their loved ones, patients and health systems suffer along with them.As the leader in physician well-being, the AMA is reducing physician burnout by removing administrative burdens and providing real-world solutions to help doctors rediscover the Joy in Medicine™.

Continue reading at ama-assn.org

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