Physicians across the United States are facing significant challenges, including burnout, staffing shortages, and excessive administrative tasks. However, a recent survey suggests that artificial intelligence (AI) could offer a glimmer of hope in alleviating these issues.
Physician Burnout and Administrative Overload
The survey, commissioned by Athenahealth, a provider of cloud-based healthcare tools, reveals alarming statistics. Over 90% of physicians report experiencing burnout regularly, with excessive administrative tasks being the primary cause.
A staggering 64% of doctors feel overwhelmed by paperwork and clerical requirements, contributing to their burnout.
Workload and Patient Interaction
Physicians are spending an average of 15 extra hours per week outside their regular schedules to keep up with administrative tasks, often referred to as "pajama time." Moreover, nearly 60% of doctors feel they lack sufficient in-person time with patients, while over 75% are overwhelmed by patients' excessive communication demands, such as constant texting and emailing.
Challenges for Healthcare Organizations
The survey also highlights challenges faced by healthcare organizations. Around 78% of physicians express concerns about poor staff retention and shortages within their organizations. Additionally, less than 40% of doctors are confident in their employer's financial stability.
"In order for physicians to fully benefit from technology as a care enhancement tool, they need to experience more advantages and fewer added complexities or burdens. If we get this right, we'll be using the technology to reduce administrative work and increase efficiencies in ways that allow physicians to refocus on their patients," Athenahealth's chief medical officer Dr. Nele Jessel, said in a release.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence
Despite these obstacles, 83% of surveyed physicians believe that AI could offer solutions. They envision AI streamlining administrative tasks, enhancing diagnostic accuracy, and analyzing patient data for patterns and anomalies, CNBC reports.
Some Doctors Are Optimistic Over AI Use
While some doctors express concerns about AI potentially diminishing the human touch in healthcare and its role in the diagnostic process, twice as many participants view AI as part of the solution. This optimism extends to the broader use of technology in healthcare, with nearly 80% of AI optimists believing that technology helps them manage patient workloads effectively.
Hope for the Future
Although AI won't solve healthcare challenges overnight, it offers hope for the future. Thirty-seven percent of AI optimists believe that the healthcare field is moving in the right direction, signaling a positive outlook for the integration of AI technology.
Survey Methodology
The survey, conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of Athenahealth, involved 1,003 physicians surveyed between October 23 and November 8. Notably, only 5% of respondents reported using Athenahealth's technology, ensuring diverse perspectives in the survey results.
In our previous report, even hospital robots like Moxi can help nurses deal with burnout. They are helpful because, since the pandemic, healthcare workers have often worked outside the usual working hours.
