Biotech
Wednesday, February 21st, 2024 3:37 pm EDT
Key Points
- Over 90% of physicians in the U.S. experience burnout regularly due to excessive administrative tasks, with 64% feeling overwhelmed by paperwork, leading more than 60% to consider leaving the medical field, according to a survey commissioned by Athenahealth.
- Physicians spend an average of 15 hours per week working outside their regular hours to cope with their workload, often referred to as “pajama time,” while nearly 60% feel they lack enough in-person time with patients, and over 75% are overwhelmed by patients’ excessive communication demands, such as frequent texting, calling, and emailing outside scheduled visits.
- Despite these challenges, 83% of surveyed doctors believe that artificial intelligence (AI) could alleviate these problems by streamlining administrative tasks, improving diagnosis accuracy, and identifying patterns in patient data. Although concerns about AI’s potential to diminish the human touch in healthcare persist among physicians, twice as many participants see AI as part of the solution rather than the problem, with 37% of AI optimists expressing confidence in the technology’s ability to positively impact the future of healthcare.
The healthcare landscape in the U.S. presents a challenging environment for physicians, characterized by burnout, staffing shortages, and administrative burdens, as revealed by a recent survey commissioned by Athenahealth. Over 90% of physicians experience burnout regularly, mainly attributed to excessive administrative tasks, with paperwork overwhelming 64% of doctors. More than 60% have contemplated leaving the medical field due to these challenges. Physicians are compelled to work outside regular hours, dedicating approximately 15 hours per week to meet their workload demands, termed as “pajama time.” Concerns about inadequate in-person patient interaction and overwhelming communication demands further exacerbate physicians’ stress, with nearly 60% feeling the former and over 75% experiencing the latter. Additionally, doctors note organizational challenges, with 78% citing poor staff retention and shortages, and less than 40% expressing confidence in their employers’ financial stability.
Despite these hurdles, 83% of physicians believe that artificial intelligence (AI) holds promise in addressing these issues. They envision AI streamlining administrative tasks, enhancing diagnostic accuracy, and identifying patterns in patient data. However, concerns persist regarding the potential loss of human touch in healthcare, with about 70% expressing apprehensions about AI’s role in the diagnosis process. Nevertheless, twice as many respondents see AI as part of the solution rather than the problem. AI optimists, who view AI positively, also exhibit a more favorable attitude toward technology’s broader use in healthcare, recognizing its potential to alleviate patient workload. Dr. Nele Jessel, Athenahealth’s Chief Medical Officer, emphasizes the need for technology to reduce administrative burdens and increase efficiencies, allowing physicians to prioritize patient care.
While AI may not provide immediate solutions, it offers hope for the future, according to 37% of AI optimists surveyed. The study, involving 1,003 physicians surveyed online by The Harris Poll, underscores the potential of AI in transforming healthcare practices. Despite Athenahealth’s sponsorship of the study not disclosed to participants, only a small fraction (5%) reported using Athenahealth’s technology.
For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/21/doctors-feel-burned-out-but-encouraged-by-potential-of-ai-survey-says.html
