The influence of electronic health record use on healthcare providers burnout

Background: Electronic health records (EHRs) are critical health information technology tools that ensure accuracy and improved management of patient records. However, the use of EHRs can lead to significant burden and burnout among healthcare providers, potentially affecting the quality of care they deliver. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to determine the extent of burnout among healthcare providers who use EHRs, with the specific objectives of assessing the level of EHR-related burnout in Saudi Arabian hospitals and identifying the key EHR-related factors contributing to this burnout. Methods: A descriptive quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted. A valid and reliable questionnaire was distributed to healthcare providers in Saudi Arabian hospitals to measure their burnout levels associated with EHR usage. Results: The findings indicate that the use of EHRs contributes to healthcare provider burnout, which may diminish the quality of care provided to patients. Several variables were significantly related to the healthcare providers' personal burnout, i.e., their living area, age, job, and year of experience, although only the healthcare provider's age influences their work-related burnout significantly. On the other hand, working hours per week and number of patients per week significantly influence the healthcare provider's EHR-related burnout. Conclusion: The study suggests that EHR usage is a significant factor in healthcare provider burnout. Addressing this issue requires enhanced training, workload reduction, and prompt resolution of EHR-related problems to improve provider well-being and maintain high-quality patient care.