Work

Improving Satisfaction Among Cardiology NPs and PAs by Managing Medical Decision-Making Inbox Workload

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Managing the electronic medical record (EMR) system's inbox workload effectively is important for maintaining provider productivity and well-being. PROJECT RATIONALE: Within a cohort of cardiology nurse practitioners and physician assistants at Mayo Clinic Arizona, it was identified that managing the EMR's inbox messages was the largest contributor to high reports of burnout. Based on this finding, a quality improvement project was developed to evaluate contributing factors, and an intervention of 1 hour per day was dedicated to inbox management. PROJECT SUMMARY: The study measured message volume, turnaround time, time spent on EMR inbox work, and staff satisfaction. Turnaround time improved by 50% initially but increased later in the study. Time spent on inbox work decreased by 23% to 30%, and provider satisfaction significantly improved. TAKE-HOME MESSAGES: In this study, dedicated time for inbox management improved efficiency and provider satisfaction. Future efforts should focus on sustaining these improvements and further optimizing workflows.

Source: JACC Case Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.jaccas.2025.105221

Authors: Deandra O'Connor, Kate Lew

Institution: Mayo Clinic in Arizona

Language: English

Topic: Electronic Health Records Systems

Subfield: Health Information Management

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $850