Electronic Health Record-Related Burnout: Implementing a Data-Driven Quality Improvement Intervention for Ambulatory Providers After an Electronic Health Record Transition

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.