Healthcare professionals devote less time at their desks, yet electronic health records persistently trail them at home

Medical practitioners are spending less time in clinical settings each week, hinting at advancements in reducing the burdensome workloads prevalent in contemporary medicine. Yet, a recent AMA survey reveals a concerning pattern: although work hours within standard business hours decrease, the...

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2025 September 11 . 1:22 PM

1 min read

Healthcare professionals work reduced hours, yet the electronic health record system persists in... — Healthcare professionals work reduced hours, yet the electronic health record system persists in encroaching upon their personal lives.

Healthcare professionals devote less time at their desks, yet electronic health records persistently trail them at home

In a groundbreaking survey conducted by apoBank, the American Medical Association (AMA) has revealed that the workload of physicians might be distributed differently between in-clinic and out-of-clinic hours. The survey, which was exclusive to the AMA, found that despite spending fewer hours in clinical settings each week, physicians continue to handle a significant amount of work outside of regular hours.

The survey findings suggest that the trend of physicians spending fewer hours in clinical settings might not significantly reduce their workload. This trend might indicate progress in easing heavy workloads in modern medicine, but the nature or type of work that physicians are handling outside of normal hours remains undisclosed.

Nicole Wortmann, head of the health market sector at apoBank, provided analysis and comments on the survey. She highlighted that the volume of work physicians handle outside of normal hours remains high, despite the claimed reduced clinic time. This discrepancy might have implications for the discussion of work-life balance in the medical profession.

The survey results might prompt further research into the impact of reduced clinical hours on the workload and well-being of physicians. If confirmed, these findings could potentially influence policies aimed at addressing heavy workloads in modern medicine. The survey data could be a stepping stone towards creating a more balanced work environment for healthcare professionals.

In conclusion, the AMA survey has shed light on the workload of physicians outside of regular hours. While the trend of fewer hours in clinical settings might not necessarily reflect a decrease in the overall workload of physicians, it is a significant finding that warrants further investigation. The survey results could provide valuable insights into the work-life balance of physicians and potentially lead to policies that address the heavy workloads in modern medicine.