Gender based differences in electronic medical record utilization in an academic ophthalmology practice

To evaluate gender differences in EMR interaction among female and male ophthalmologists at a large tertiary academic center. Retrospective, cross sectional analysis Data from Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system log files and health system administrative data from May 2022 to May 2023 were collected at an academic center. Primary outcomes were differences in time spent interacting with the EMR and In-basket message load between male and female ophthalmologists. Statistical analysis was adjusted for each physicians’ patient panel size, patient panel gender breakdown, and number of appointments. There were 30 ophthalmologists, 8 (27%) of whom were female. There was a significantly shorter mean length of employment, defined as years of employment at this institution, for female ophthalmologists (5.62 ± 8.24 vs 15.26 ± 13.34 years, p=0.028). In the 12-month analysis period, there was no significant difference in the total number of patients seen between female and male ophthalmologists. However, female ophthalmologists spent 69.6% more total time in the EMR system (24,553 vs 14,480 minutes/MD, p<0.001), and 70.9% more cumulative time on clinical tasks (18,424 vs 10,887 minutes/MD, p<0.001). Female ophthalmologists spent 114% more time than male counterparts on placing orders, scheduling tasks, and responding to in-basket messages (6484 vs 3024 minutes/MD, p<0.001). Female ophthalmologists also received 750% higher volume of patient notification messages (187 vs 22, p<0.001). In our cohort, male ophthalmologists’ mean duration of employment was nearly 3 times longer than female ophthalmologists. Despite comparable patient panels and appointment completion rates, female ophthalmologists spent significantly more time in the EMR system and received significantly more in-basket messages and tasks. These findings underscore the need for further studies addressing gender disparities and promoting gender equity in ophthalmology practice settings.