Family physicians experiencing efficient teamwork and manageable home electronic health record time reported around 42% lower odds of burnout, according to a recent study.

The study evaluated associations between team dynamics, electronic health record (EHR) experiences, and burnout among U.S. family physicians. This cross-sectional analysis included 10,315 physicians surveyed from 2017 to 2023, showing a persistent burnout prevalence, from 37.9% in 2017 to a peak of 42.8% in 2022, with 40.4% reporting burnout in 2023.

Published in JAMA Network Open, the study identified that high team efficiency and appropriate home EHR time were associated with reduced burnout odds. Family physicians reporting manageable EHR use at home had approximately 42% lower odds of burnout (OR, 0.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.53-0.64; P < .001), while high team efficiency was linked to a 39% reduction in burnout odds (OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.56-0.67; P < .001). Collaborative practice structures, such as working with registered nurses or physician assistants, were associated with higher team efficiency and appropriate home EHR time.

Researchers found associations between practice setting and these outcomes, with rural and independent practices reporting higher team efficiency, while urban and value-based care practices faced increased EHR demands. These findings suggest that optimizing team support and EHR workload may help reduce burnout risk in family medicine.

The study suggests that modifiable elements, including staffing configurations and EHR management, may support primary care sustainability by reducing burnout, though additional research may further clarify these strategies. Findings indicate that team efficiency and manageable after-hours EHR use may be associated with lower burnout rates among family physicians.

Full disclosures can be found in the published study.