--- title: "Study Links Algorithmic EHR Messages to MD Burnout | Sutter Health" description: "A Health Affairs study finds physicians receiving more EHR-generated messages face higher burnout risk, showing the need for better workflow design." url: "https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/research-innovation/physicians-well-being-linked-to-in-basket-messages-generated-by-algorithms-in-electronic-health" --- 1. [Home](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/) / 2. [Research & innovation](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/research-innovation) / 3. Physicians Well Being Linked To In Basket Messages Generated By Algorithms In Electronic Health # Physicians' Well-Being Linked To In-Basket Messages Generated By Algorithms In Electronic Health Records A Health Affairs study finds physicians receiving more EHR-generated messages face higher burnout risk, showing the need for better workflow design. November 12, 2020 by Sutter Health ![Physicians' Well-Being Linked To In-Basket Messages Generated By Algorithms In Electronic Health Records](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/Vitals/research-and-innovation/Physicians-WellBeing-Linked-To-In-Basket-Messages-Generated-By-Algorithms-In-Electronic-Hea-c2af675d.jpg?h=720&iar=0&w=1280 "Physicians' Well-Being Linked To In-Basket Messages Generated By Algorithms In Electronic Health Records") Tai-Seale M, Dillon EC, Yang Y, Nordgren R, Steinberg RL, Nauenberg T, Lee TC, Meehan A, Li J, Chan AS, Frosch DL. _Health Affairs_ .  2019 Jul;38(7):1073-1078.   [View the study](https://www.healthaffairs.org/action/doSearch?AllField=Physicians%27+well-being+linked+to+in-basket+messages) ### ABSTRACT:  Despite concerns about physicians’ workload associated with electronic health records (EHRs), little attention has been paid to the relationship between physicians’ well-being and the in-basket messages physicians receive-specifically, their volume and sources. Analyses of EHR work performed by physicians in a multispecialty practice found that in-basket messages generated by the EHR system accounted for almost half (114) of the 243 weekly in-basket messages received per physician, on average-far exceeding the numbers received from their colleagues (53) and patients (30). In a survey, 36 percent of the physicians reported burnout symptoms, and 29 percent intended to reduce their clinical work time in the upcoming year. Receiving more than the average number of system-generated in-basket messages was associated with 40 percent higher probability of burnout and 38 percent higher probability of intending to reduce clinical work time. Physicians’ perceptions of a positive work environment were associated with lower odds of burnout and intention to reduce clinical work time and with greater satisfaction with life. Female physicians had a higher risk of burnout and lower satisfaction with life, compared to males. Meaningful redesign of EHR in-basket workflow and a wellness-enhancing work environment are necessary to effectively improve physicians’ well-being.  **Keywords:**  Physician well-being; burnout; electronic health records; work environment. ## Topics [Technology and Health](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/search?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_healthTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Technology+and+Health%22%5D%7D%5D&verticalKey=articles)[Workplace wellness](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/search?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_healthTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Workplace+wellness%22%5D%7D%5D&verticalKey=articles) ## Related articles ### [Why Physician Well-Being Can Impact Your Next Doctor’s Visit](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/our-people/why-physician-well-being-can-impact-your-next-doctors-visit) ### [A Workplace Built on Purpose and Possibility](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/our-people/a-workplace-built-on-purpose-and-possibility) ### [When Communities Lead Healthcare](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/community-impact/when-communities-lead-healthcare) ### [Sutter Health Collaborates with OpenEvidence to Bring Evidence-Based, AI-Powered Insights into Physician Workflows](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/media-resources/press-releases/sutter-health-collaborates-with-openevidence-to-bring-evidence-based-ai-powered-insights-into) [See all from Research & innovation](https://vitals.sutterhealth.org/research-innovation) ## Check your Vitals Get the latest in health innovation, community impact and patient care from Sutter Health — delivered straight to your inbox. 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