Physicians spend, on average, one to two hours each night on electronic health record (EHR) tasks or paperwork, not to mention all the time they spend on these tasks during the workday.1 While changes are needed throughout the health care system to reduce administrative complexity, physicians must find ways to regain some control over their time and not burn out.
For many, the key to reducing work after clinic is to finish each chart before seeing the next patient. Adapt the adage “Do today's work today,” and aim to “Do this visit's work this visit.”
Strategies for finishing each chart during the visit include the following:
1. Sinsky C, Colligan L, Li L, et al. Allocation of physician time in ambulatory practice: a time and motion study in four specialties. Ann Intern Med. 2016;165(11):753-760.
Read the full FPM article: “Seven Habits for Reducing Work After Clinic.”
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