Healthcare staff have a tough job. From managing patient relationships to juggling heavy workloads, the last thing they need is frustration with their electronic health record (EHR) system. Unfortunately, “EHR burnout” is an all-too-common challenge. When EHR systems feel clunky, unintuitive, or overly time-consuming, stress levels rise, workflows slow down, and even patient care can suffer.
For IT teams supporting Oracle Health EHR, preventing this kind of burnout can be a game-changer. While fixing technical bugs and maintaining system uptime are crucial, your role goes beyond keeping the system running. You’re also in a unique position to make the EHR experience less overwhelming and more user-friendly. This blog post will share simple, practical steps your team can take to help healthcare staff thrive in their EHR environment.
1. Start with user feedback (and make it easy to share)
Your front-line clinicians and administrative staff interact with the EHR system daily. They know better than anyone where the pain points are. Make it easy for them to share their feedback. This could mean setting up regular surveys, hosting feedback sessions, or creating a simple online form where they can list what’s working and what’s not. Learn more about gathering user feedback to improve your EHR system.
But gathering feedback isn’t enough. It’s equally important to show users that their input leads to real improvements. Even if you can’t fix every issue immediately, small, visible wins (like streamlining a commonly used workflow) can make a big difference.
For additional inspiration, check out our blog post on The hidden costs of EHR inefficiency and how to avoid them for insights into common problems and quick solutions.
2. Simplify, simplify, simplify
Not every issue requires a huge overhaul. Sometimes it comes down to simplification. Are there unnecessary steps in key workflows? Are the most-used functions buried under layers of menus?
Look for opportunities to reduce clicks, create shortcuts, or adjust settings so that common tasks like charting and scheduling feel faster and more intuitive. Small tweaks to EHR workflows, guided by user feedback, can significantly ease daily frustrations for staff.
If your IT team is looking for time-saving strategies, don’t miss our guide on Time-saving tips for IT teams managing Oracle Health EHR.
3. Build bridges between IT and clinical teams
It’s easy for IT teams and clinicians to see the world from different perspectives. Bridging this gap is essential for reducing burnout. The better you understand the pressure points and priorities of clinical staff, the better you’ll be able to support them.
Consider assigning “liaisons” who can regularly connect with clinical teams, learning about their daily challenges and goals. Regular huddles or meetings to share updates on EHR projects can also foster collaboration and open communication.
4. Offer clear, consistent training
It’s surprising how often EHR frustration stems from a simple lack of training. Healthcare staff are busy, and many don’t have time to explore all the functionalities and shortcuts in the system. Offering consistent, bite-sized training sessions can help users feel more confident and capable.
Consider creating quick video tutorials, FAQ guides, or offering short on-demand sessions that cover common questions like customizing dashboards, navigating updates, or using new features. Ensure that training materials are accessible and easy to reference during a hectic shift.
For more details, check out Oracle Health EHR Training for IT Teams: What and How Much Does My IT Team Need? and Affordable and Efficient EHR Training for Time-Poor, Non-Tech-Savvy Clinicians.
5. Be proactive with support
One of the best ways to fight EHR burnout is to catch issues before they escalate. Proactive monitoring of system performance and usage patterns allows IT teams to spot bottlenecks, glitches, or areas where staff might need extra support.
Beyond technical fixes, consider holding regular check-ins to ask clinical teams, “What’s one thing we can do to make your EHR experience better?” The more visible and approachable your team is, the more staff will trust you to help.
6. Prioritize system speed and stability
No matter how easy an EHR system is to use, slow load times or unexpected downtime can derail a workflow and frustrate even the most patient user. Staying ahead of these issues with robust maintenance routines, scheduled downtime notifications, and quick issue resolution is vital.
Additionally, if significant updates or downtimes are needed, communicate clearly with staff. Provide timelines, outline what’s changing, and offer training in advance so they feel prepared, not blindsided.
7. Celebrate the wins, big and small
Reducing EHR burnout is a long-term project, but it’s important to highlight progress along the way. Did you roll out an update that cut documentation time in half for nurses? Did a training session lead to higher satisfaction scores? Share these wins!
Celebrating these moments not only boosts morale but also reminds everyone that their feedback, effort, and collaboration are paying off. It also encourages a culture of continuous improvement.
8. How EHR Enhancify can help
At EHR Enhancify, we specialize in helping healthcare organizations get the most out of their Oracle Health Millennium EHR systems. Whether it’s through custom MPage creation to streamline common workflows, advanced configuration for better functionality, or ongoing support to troubleshoot challenges, we’re here to lighten the load for your IT team.
Our services also include hands-on training and workflow design to ensure that both IT teams and clinicians are confident using the system effectively. Together, we can help reduce EHR burnout, enabling staff to focus on what really matters: delivering exceptional patient care.
Interested in learning more about how we can help? Get in touch with us today to discuss how EHR Enhancify can support your organization.
The ripple effect of reducing burnout
When IT teams take steps to reduce EHR burnout, the ripple effects are profound. Happier healthcare staff means better patient care. Faster workflows mean more time for clinicians to focus on their patients. And improved collaboration between IT and clinical teams builds trust and alignment across your entire organization.
Reducing burnout benefits everyone, but don’t just take our word for it. Studies show that burdensome EHR systems are a leading contributor to clinician fatigue. According to the American Medical Association, simplifying these workflows can drive dramatic improvements in staff well-being. Additionally, Stanford Medicine’s report suggests reducing EHR-related stress is key to tackling high burnout rates among clinicians.
Ultimately, tackling EHR burnout isn’t just about improving a system; it’s about supporting people. And when your healthcare staff feels supported, everybody wins.
