Khairat’s JAMIA Paper Shows Significant Gender-Based Differences in EHR Workload Stress, Satisfaction and Usability

In their recent study, Dr. Khairat et al. report major differences in the use of female physicians of the EHR when compared to male physicians. Major differences were found in efficiency, satisfaction, and usability, where females were quicker, more efficient, and happier. This is the first study to report gender-differences in EHR usability:

Physician burnout associated with EHRs is a major concern in health care. A comprehensive assessment of differences among physicians in the areas of EHR performance, efficiency, and satisfaction has not been conducted. The study sought to study relationships among physicians’ performance, efficiency, perceived workload, satisfaction, and usability in using the electronic health record (EHR) with comparisons by age, gender, professional role, and years of experience with the EHR.

Among ICU physicians, we measured significant gender-based differences in perceived EHR workload stress, satisfaction, and usability—corresponding to objective patterns in EHR efficiency. Understanding the reasons for these differences may help reduce burnout and guide improvements to physician performance, efficiency, and satisfaction with EHR use.

Read the full article here. Well done, Dr. Khairat!