Metrics for assessing physician activity using electronic health record log data. (6th February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sinsky, Christine A; Rule, Adam; Cohen, Genna; Arndt, Brian G; Shanafelt, Tait D; Sharp, Christopher D; Baxter, Sally L; Tai-Seale, Ming; Yan, Sherry; Chen, You; Adler-Milstein, Julia; Hribar, Michelle
• Is Part Of: Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association. Volume 27:Number 4(2020)
• Page Start: 639
• Page End: 643
• Publication Date: 2020-02-06
• Subjects: metric -- operational efficiency -- EHR log data -- time studies, burnout; Medical informatics -- Periodicals; Information Services -- Periodicals; Medical Informatics -- Periodicals; Médecine -- Informatique -- Périodiques; Informatica; Geneeskunde; Informatique médicale; Computer network resources; Electronic journals; 610.285
• DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocz223
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1067-5027

Abstract

Abstract: Electronic health record (EHR) log data have shown promise in measuring physician time spent on clinical activities, contributing to deeper understanding and further optimization of the clinical environment. In this article, we propose 7 core measures of EHR use that reflect multiple dimensions of practice efficiency: total EHR time, work outside of work, time on documentation, time on prescriptions, inbox time, teamwork for orders, and an aspirational measure for the amount of undivided attention patients receive from their physicians during an encounter, undivided attention. We also illustrate sample use cases for these measures for multiple stakeholders. Finally, standardization of EHR log data measure specifications, as outlined here, will foster cross-study synthesis and comparative research.