Electronic Health Records Drive Doctor Burnout: Findings from KLAS Survey

Health Record (EHR) usability and physician burnout, with potential costs reaching $1 million per departing doctor. Discover strategies for improvement.">

September 2, 2025

A newly released analysis spotlights a critical issue facing healthcare systems nationwide: physician burnout, significantly influenced by the usability of Electronic Health Records (EHRs). The findings reveal that one-third of physicians report experiencing burnout, and over half attribute this stress, at least in part, to their EHR systems. The financial implications are substantial, with each physician departure potentially costing organizations between $500,000 and $1 million.

The Burnout-EHR Connection: A Deep Dive

The study demonstrates a clear correlation between physician well-being and their experiences with EHRs. Physicians reporting burnout scored nearly 25 points lower on a standardized Net EHR Experience Score (NEES), a metric ranging from -100 to 100, compared to their counterparts who did not report burnout. Those intending to leave their organizations displayed a NEES score 27 points lower than those committed to staying.

“The Physician’s interaction with the EHR is not merely a technical concern; it directly reflects the overall health of an organization,” experts explain. Addressing EHR-related frustrations is, therefore, a key component of broader organizational well-being.

Four Pillars of EHR Satisfaction

The analysis identifies four crucial areas for improvement in EHR implementation and maintenance:

Infrastructure Reliability

Reliable infrastructure forms the bedrock of EHR satisfaction. A staggering 82% of physicians cited slow loading times as a major source of frustration, with 62% experiencing login difficulties and 44% grappling with hardware problems. Organizations proactively monitoring system performance, regularly updating hardware (every 3-5 years), and rigorously testing failover protocols demonstrate notably higher levels of physician satisfaction.

Extensive Education and Training

Inconsistent and inadequate training remains a significant hurdle. More than half of physicians surveyed deemed their initial EHR onboarding insufficient or not aligned with their specific workflows. However, tailored training programs significantly improve perceptions of EHR efficiency. As little as three hours of well-structured training can make a demonstrable difference.

Robust Governance and Support

Effective EHR governance is paramount. Only 45% of physicians agreed that their organizations adequately support,train on,and govern EHR usage. Frustration arises from unclear processes, delayed updates, and unresponsive support systems. Physicians who feel their input is valued consistently report higher NEES scores – over 30 points higher, in fact.

Personalized Workflows

Customization is key. Physicians utilizing EHRs tailored to their unique workflows exhibit satisfaction scores 36 points higher than those using standardized systems. Strategies like streamlined workflows for frequent tasks and personalized training content are vital for maximizing efficiency and user satisfaction.

Area of Improvement	Reported Physician Frustration (%)	Impact on NEES Score
Slow Loading Times	82%	Significant Improvement with Optimized Infrastructure
Login Issues	62%	Significant Improvement with Optimized Infrastructure
Insufficient Training	>50%	+36 Points with Personalized Training
Lack of Input in Governance	N/A	+30 Points with Valued Input

Artificial Intelligence: An Emerging Solution

Healthcare providers are increasingly turning to Artificial Intelligence (AI) to alleviate EHR-related burdens. The study evaluated several AI applications, including ambient speech recognition, AI-driven messaging, and automated data summarization. Ambient speech recognition showed the most promising results.

Physicians utilizing ambient speech technology reported increased efficiency, improved patient care, and better work-life balance. A case study from Legacy Health revealed a 44-point increase in NEES scores among users of Microsoft DAX Copilot compared to their peers.

“These AI tools are not a panacea,” the analysis cautions, “but when implemented thoughtfully, they can reduce documentation workload and bolster physician support.”

Did You Know? The escalating costs of physician turnover are directly linked to EHR-related frustration, making system optimization a critical investment.

Pro Tip: Regularly solicit feedback from physicians regarding their EHR experience to identify pain points and prioritize improvements.

Are healthcare organizations doing enough to address the root causes of physician burnout related to EHRs? What role should AI play in streamlining these systems and enhancing the physician experience?

long-Term Implications of EHR Optimization

Investing in EHR optimization is not just about immediate cost savings related to physician retention. It’s about fostering a more sustainable and engaged medical workforce, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and a stronger healthcare system. The move towards interoperability, cloud-based solutions, and user-centric design will continue to shape the future of EHRs, and organizations that prioritize these advancements will be best positioned to attract and retain top talent.

Frequently Asked Questions about EHRs and Burnout

Share your thoughts! How is your organization addressing the challenges of EHR usability and physician burnout? Let us know in the comments below.

How do increased documentation burdens within EHR systems contribute to physician burnout, according to KLAS survey insights?

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The Growing Crisis of Physician Burnout

Physician burnout has become a important concern in modern healthcare.factors contributing to this problem are multifaceted, but the implementation and utilization of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have emerged as a critical influencing factor.This article delves into the findings of KLAS surveys and other research to explore how EHRs contribute to healthcare professional burnout and strategies to mitigate these challenges. Key search terms include: physician burnout, EHR implementation challenges, EHR usability issues,and clinician well-being.

KLAS survey Insights: EHRs and Burnout

KLAS Research, known for its unbiased data and insights into healthcare technology, has conducted numerous surveys that shed light on the relationship between EHRs and clinician burnout.These surveys often uncover the negative impact of poorly implemented and user-unfriendly EHR systems. Common observations include:

• Increased Documentation Burden: EHRs frequently enough require extensive documentation,leading to longer working hours and reduced time wiht patients. This drives administrative burden.
• Usability Challenges: Complex interfaces and clunky workflows can make it tough for clinicians to navigate EHRs efficiently. Slow system response times and the need to navigate multiple screens add to the frustration.
• Lack of Interoperability: The inability of different EHR systems to communicate effectively with one another creates data silos, hindering the flow of information and wasting valuable time.
• Training Deficiencies: Inadequate training in EHR usage can lead to increased errors and frustration, further contributing to burnout.

The surveys from KLAS often highlight the importance of user satisfaction. Poor user experiences are a key indicator of systems that are likely to contribute to burnout.

Specific Factors Contributing to EHR-Related Burnout

several specific aspects of EHR implementation and usage contribute considerably to physician burnout.understanding these elements is essential for designing strategies for EHR optimization.

1. Increased Workload and Time Commitment

Many physicians report a significant increase in their workload after EHR implementation. Data entry, billing, and regulatory compliance demands create long working hours.This extended commitment reduces time for rest,family,and personal well-being.

2. Reduced Physician-Patient Interaction

EHR systems can detract from face-to-face patient interactions, as physicians spend more time looking at screens than engaging with their patients. This can lead to a sense of detachment and dissatisfaction with the practice of medicine.

3. Financial Pressures

The financial burden that comes along with EHR upkeep, training, and continuous updates add more stress to healthcare systems. Physicians often face challenges related to insurance coding and payments.

4. System Errors and Technical Glitches

software errors, system crashes, and other technical glitches are more than merely annoying-they can cause delays and disrupt patient care and also lead to medical errors.

Strategies for Mitigating EHR-Related Burnout

Addressing the issue of EHR-related burnout requires a multifaceted approach involving healthcare administrators, technology vendors, and clinicians. Here are some strategies:

1. Choose the Right EHR System

Selecting an EHR system is not just about features; it is indeed about usability. Consider the following:

• Prioritize user-friendly interfaces.
• Evaluate system interoperability.
• Ensure comprehensive and ongoing training.

2. Optimize EHR Workflow

Enhance your workflow by:

• Customizing the system to your specialties.
• Streamlining documentation processes.
• Utilizing templates and shortcuts.

3. Invest in Training and Support

Give your staff the tools to use the system properly via ongoing training and support.

4. Promote work-life balance

Implement policies that support physicians in their lives, to provide them with a good work-life balance.

Real-World Examples &