How Outdated EHRs Influence Therapist Well-being and Patient Care

In healthcare, physical, occupational, and speech therapists are committed to enhancing the well-being of their patients, a mission that extends far beyond mere treatment. Yet, a critical yet often underestimated aspect of their professional life is how much electronic health record (EHR) systems impact their time and mental well-being. A 2020 study by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) found that 82.4% of physical therapists experienced burnout, with documentation requirements cited as the largest source of stress on the job. While EHRs are designed to streamline patient care and improve outcomes, many current systems need to be revised, burdening therapists with cumbersome administrative duties that significantly cut into their patient treatment time. More progressive and intuitive EHR systems right EHR system, however, can transform this dynamic, reducing the toll on therapists’ job satisfaction and mental health by minimizing unnecessary administrative tasks and maximizing the quality time they spend with patients.? In turn, the introduction of easier, more intuitive EHR solutions also helps operators in post-acute rehab, as well as other medical settings, by creating a more fulfilling work environment that improves clinician loyalty and retention.

Dated EHR Technology Negatively Impacts Therapist Retention and Patient Care?

For many therapists, the transition to Electronic Health Records has introduced a suite of challenges. According to research published in the National Library of Medicine, EHR systems, pivotal in modernizing patient care records, have become a significant source of stress and inefficiency. The study highlights how clinicians spend considerable time navigating clunky interfaces, cumbersome workflows, and overly time-consuming documentation, which significantly detracts from patient interaction - the most rewarding aspect of their work*.

Impact on Work-Life Balance and Burnout

The implications of these demands in acute and long-term care treatment settings extend beyond the workplace. Therapists find their work-life balance disrupted, as administrative tasks spill over into personal time. This encroachment is not just inconvenient; it contributes to burnout, diminishing clinicians’' capacity to provide the empathetic, focused care they are passionate about.

Understanding Burnout in Therapists

Burnout among therapists manifests as emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a dwindling sense of personal accomplishment. When therapists and other clinicians are bogged down by administrative tasks, their core mission- to foster meaningful change in their patients' lives - becomes harder to achieve. This not only affects their professional fulfillment but also impacts the quality of care provided. A recent study by the American Journal of Occupational Therapy, further emphasizes the correlation between increased administrative tasks and lower productivity levels, underscoring the urgent need for operational changes in healthcare practices**.?

Innova Health's Survey Insights

Innova Health conducted a detailed survey with over 100 physical, occupational, and speech therapists, including those working in skilled nursing facilities (SNF) and assisted living (AL). The survey findings are telling: the majority of these rehabilitation professionals are spending a substantial amount of their day - between 3 to 5 hours - managing EHR systems. Despite this significant time investment, satisfaction levels are notably low. Only about 35% of respondents feel that their therapy EHR system is fast and efficient, while 50% are dissatisfied, and 20% strongly feel that their system isn’t up to the mark. Moreover, 55% of those surveyed indicated they would switch to a different EHR system if a better alternative were available. These results highlight a clear need for improvements in Electronic Health Record software systems that are integral to their daily routines.

Technological and Organizational Interventions

Addressing these issues requires a two-pronged approach. First, EHR systems must be optimized for usability. Easier-to-navigate interfaces and more intuitive workflows can significantly reduce the time therapists spend on the EHR administrative burden while increasing the time they can spend with patients to improve outcomes.

Second, organizations must foster a supportive culture around EHR use. This includes easier training methods, greater responsiveness, quicker ticket turnaround, and better ongoing support, which can help alleviate the stress associated with using these systems. Moreover, involving therapists in the selection and development of EHR systems ensures that the tools align with their needs and real-world workflows, thereby enhancing their overall job satisfaction, as well as patient care.?

Innova Health's Approach

Understanding what therapists need and want in an EHR system was the starting point for Innova Health's development process. The team at Innova Health listened closely to the guidance of real-world operators and therapists who frequently face challenges with the outdated, legacy EHR systems in use today. This user-focused approach led Innova to design a platform that not only prioritizes ease of use and efficiency but also more deeply engages therapists in the role of these technologies to enhance patient care.. By fostering a more intuitive and streamlined user experience, Innova Health’s EHR solution effectively reduces the administrative burden that often leads to therapist frustration and burnout, consequently allowing more quality time with patients. This approach aims to transform the EHR landscape by restoring therapists' faith in EHR solutions and making them a more effective tool to improve patient outcomes and operational metrics.

Conclusion

As the long-term care industry continues to evolve, the tools we provide our healthcare and rehabilitation professionals must evolve as well. By developing easier, more intuitive EHR systems that are more functional and more supportive of therapists' well-being, we can ensure that their focus remains on patient care. With companies like Innova Health leading the way, the future of EHR systems looks promising, heralding a new era where technology truly serves the needs of those who dedicate their lives to serving others.

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SOURCES

*Burnout Related to Electronic Health Record in Primary Care, Journal of Primary Care & Community Health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10134123/?

**The American Journal of Occupational Therapy : https://research.aota.org/ajot/article-abstract/78/1/7801205090/25052/Practitioner-Burnout-and-Productivity-Levels-in