Stress and Burnout Related to Electronic Health Record Use among Healthcare Providers during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia: A Preliminary National Randomized Survey

Abstract

Healthcare providers’ burnout may potentially have a negative impact on patient care. The use of the electronic health record (EHR) increases the burden for healthcare providers (HCPs), particularly during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study assessed the stress and burnout related to the use of EHRs and health information technology (HIT) tools among HCPs during COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia. We used a self-developed survey tool. It consisted of five sections; demographics and professional data, experience using EHR, effects of EHR use, use of EHR and technology tools during COVID-19, and health and wellbeing. The survey link was emailed to a random sample of HCPs registered with a national scientific regulatory body. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were performed to measure the association between burnout and study variables. A total of 182 participants completed the survey. 50.5% of participants reported a presence of HIT-related stress, and 40.1% reported a presence of burnout. The variables independently associated with burnout were providing tertiary level of care, working with COVID-19 suspected cases, dissatisfaction with EHRs, and agreement with the statement that using EHRs added frustration to the workday. Further research that explores possible solutions is warranted to minimize burnout among HCPs, especially during infectious outbreaks.

A systematic review and meta analysis on burnout in physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic: A hidden healthcare crisis

“…Longitudinal departmental burnout assessment as well as off-duty social gatherings which provide an opportunity to share challenges and boost morale are potential ways to keep track of workers mental health and assess stressors ( 10 ). Updating electronic medical record keeping techniques increases efficiency and minimizes the stress of documentation ( 100 , 101 ). Lastly, providing stress management and resiliency training aid in addressing perceived loss of control and autonomy could prove helpful ( 10 ).…”

Nurses’ Attitudes and Factors Affecting Use of Electronic Health Record in Saudi Arabia

“…Numerous investigations have attempted to link the adaptability of clinicians to electronic record systems that necessitate prior computer knowledge from using the EHR system in Saudi Arabian healthcare facilities as well as encouraging changes in health care workers' attitudes toward it [16,17]. However, as part of efforts to boost the efficiency with which primary healthcare centers (PHCs) manage chronic diseases, the Saudi Ministry of Health (MoH) installed an EHR system in every PHC [18].…”

Jordanian nurses’ attitudes toward using electronic health records during COVID-19 pandemic

“…Recently, additional studies have been conducted to explore the presence of EHRs-related stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Health care providers describe that they were satisfied with utilizing EHRs, despite the expression that using EHRs during the COVID-19 pandemic adds frustration and increases the burden of daily work [ 28 ]. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic imposed new tasks on healthcare providers, such as consultations using virtual meetings with patients and electronic prescriptions of patients’ medications [ 29 ] As a result of the increasing number of COVID-19 cases, the burnout rate among healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia was 75% .…”