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Although electronic health records (EHRs) have many benefits, studies reveal unexpected patient safety and liability risks associated with their use. The speed at which EHR technology is advancing and the speed with which hospitals and medical practices are implementing these systems can partially explain this increased risk exposure.¹ Optimizing an EHR (using it to its full potential) can deflect some of this risk. However, the importance of optimizing an EHR can be overlooked amid the struggle to provide quality patient care while complying with regulations and participating in government incentive programs.²

Electronic health records (EHR) — including electronic medical records (EMR), electronic prescribing, electronic patient portals, and computerized physician order entry (CPOE) — are a main cause of physician burnout. Research has identified key aspects of EHR systems that contribute to physician burnout.

EHR developers are aware of the usability and interoperability problems with EHR that contribute to physician burnout, and they appear to be increasingly focused on clinician-focused optimization. Government agencies have developed programs and initiatives to improve EHR usability and interoperability. Various organizations have contributed to a body of research linking usability and interoperability issues to patient safety. Healthcare organizations are joining forces to prompt the development of interoperable software and devices. These developments suggest there is positive movement toward EHR systems that provide more benefits and fewer burdens to the clinicians who use them.

Patient engagement can be a key to reducing physician burnout, but EHR burdens can negatively affect patient-clinician interactions. Patient-centered EHR use is a well-researched field. Lee et al. developed a mnemonic to remind clinicians of patient-centered EHR strategies: HUMAN LEVEL.

An EHR system is a complicated tool that requires sufficient training and practice to gain competency. Achieving EHR proficiency can reduce frustration, increase efficiency and mitigate the effects that EHR burdens have on physician burnout. Research indicates that physicians with adequate initial training are significantly more satisfied with their EHR system and that satisfaction remains consistent for more than five years following initial training.