Work

Gender based differences in electronic medical record utilization in an academic ophthalmology practice

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Purpose To evaluate gender differences in EMR interaction among female and male ophthalmologists at a large tertiary academic center. Design Retrospective, cross sectional analysis Methods Data from Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system log files and health system administrative data from May 2022 to May 2023 were collected at an academic center. Primary outcomes were differences in time spent interacting with the EMR and In-basket message load between male and female ophthalmologists. Statistical analysis was adjusted for each physicians’ patient panel size, patient panel gender breakdown, and number of appointments. Results There were 30 ophthalmologists, 8 (27%) of whom were female. There was a significantly shorter mean length of employment for female ophthalmologists (5.62 ± 8.24 vs 15.26 ± 13.34 years, p = 0.028). In the 12-month analysis period, there was no significant difference in the total number of patients seen between female and male ophthalmologists. However, female ophthalmologists spent 69.6% more total time in the EMR system (409vs 241 h/MD, p < 0.001). Female ophthalmologists spent 118% more time on task oriented in-basket sections such as patient notification, staff messages, and results (18 vs 8 h/ MD, p < 0.001). Female ophthalmologists also received more in-basket messages, with a notable 750% higher volume of patient notification messages (187 vs 22, p < 0.001) while male ophthalmologists received more Care Everywhere functionality notifications (14 vs 3, p < 0.001) and hospital messages (477 vs 233, p = 0.002). Conclusions In our cohort, male ophthalmologists’ mean duration of employment was nearly 3 times longer than female ophthalmologists. Despite comparable patient panels and appointment completion rates, female ophthalmologists spent significantly more time in the EMR system and received significantly more in-basketand task directed messages. These findings underscore the need for further studies addressing gender disparities and promoting gender equity in ophthalmology practice settings.

Source: AJO International

DOI: 10.1016/j.ajoint.2024.100082

Authors: Madeline Ngo, Whitney Stuard Sambhariya, Madeline Myers, Jennifer Cao, Shivani Kamat, Melanie Truong-Le

Institutions: The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Hospital, University of Mississippi Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Electronic Health Records Systems

Subfield: Health Information Management

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Gender equality, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,800