How Digital Minimalism May Help Solve Physician Burnout
The New England Journal of Medicine recently published a paper titled “Digital Minimalism - an Rx for Clinician Burnout.” The article points to a recent study that found the amount of time spent in electronic health records (EHRs) correlates with declines in face-to-face time with the patient, computer-based work after hours and increasing rates of burnout. Digital minimalism could be a new way forward for physicians.
The term digital minimalism was originally introduced by Cal Newport with a focus on shifting away from using every tool available toward a more balanced approach of determining which technology should be used, and how it should be implemented using three tenets: clutter is costly, optimization is vital and intentionality is satisfying.
In the wake of increased digital work during the pandemic and telemedicine driving more after hours work in the EHR, authors of the New England Journal of Medicine Piece have suggested applying this approach to technology to the medical field.
The right technology can help streamline workflows and actually reduce time spent using electronic tools so physicians can focus on their patients and leave work at work. Some suggested solutions include:
Allocating work to other team members so physicians can focus on patients,
Implementing automated digital tracking,
Using AI and algorithms to make review of records easier.
One such tool that leverages algorithms to take the cognitive load off physicians and their teams is the Huddle by Affirm Health. The pre-visit planning app organizes information specific to the patient and their insurance – while aligning those with the system’s priorities, putting actionable tasks at the point of care.
Interested in more on digital minimalism? The Global Center for Sustainable Healthcare interviewed the authors of the article for more insights. You can find that interview here.
