Abstract
Objective
We evaluate physician productivity using electronic medical records in a community
hospital emergency department.
Methods
Physician time usage per hour was observed and tabulated in the categories of direct
patient contact, data and order entry, interaction with colleagues, and review of
test results and old records.
Results
The mean percentage of time spent on data entry was 43% (95% confidence interval,
39%-47%). The mean percentage of time spent in direct contact with patients was 28%.
The pooled weighted average time allocations were 44% on data entry, 28% in direct
patient care, 12% reviewing test results and records, 13% in discussion with colleagues,
and 3% on other activities. Tabulation was made of the number of mouse clicks necessary
for several common emergency department charting functions and for selected patient
encounters. Total mouse clicks approach 4000 during a busy 10-hour shift.
Conclusion
Emergency department physicians spend significantly more time entering data into electronic
medical records than on any other activity, including direct patient care. Improved
efficiency in data entry would allow emergency physicians to devote more time to patient
care, thus increasing hospital revenue.
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Article Info
Publication History
Published online: September 23, 2013
Accepted:
June 12,
2013
Received:
May 14,
2013
Identification
Copyright
© 2013 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
