Thesis
A scoping review of the impact of digital tools on general practitioners' workload in primary care settings
- Alternative title:
- A scoping review of the impact of digital interventions on the workload of physicians in primary care settings
- Abstract:
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Purpose: This scoping review aims to evaluate the evidence on the impact of digital tools, such as Electronic Health Records (EHRs), digital front door or patient apps (DFDs), and Remote Consultations (RCs), on GP workload in primary care settings.
Methods: The review follows Arksey and O'Malley's (2005) six-step framework, as refined by Levac et al. (2010). Using predefined protocols, we leveraged a combination of MESH terms (such as GPs, physicians, etc.) and screened citations in PubMed, CINHAL, and Cochrane for published literature (2014–2024) and conducted open searches (Google) for unpublished literature. Thirty studies on EHRs, DFDs, and RCs were summarised using narrative synthesis.
Results: 30 studies were included. Nineteen studies focused on EHRs, six on RCs, and five on DFDs. Methodologies included retrospective data analysis and quantitative/qualitative surveys. EHR studies used vendor-defined metrics or self-reported surveys to show significant workload increases due to documentation, note-taking, and inbox messages, forcing GPs to spend extra hours on EHRs during and after clinic hours. Many GPs reported increased burnout. Similar trends emerged for RCs and DFDs, though limited quantitative data necessitated qualitative perspectives. These tools created supply-led demand surges, adding clinical and non-clinical workload. Female GPs faced higher burnout risks due to greater message volumes and time spent on tools.
Conclusion and implications: While patient-centric, these tools disrupt GP workflows, contributing to burnout and reducing career longevity. Policymakers must design guidelines and roll-out plans with GP workload and burnout in mind.
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- Files:
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(Preview, Dissemination version, pdf, 2.9MB, Terms of use)
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Authors
Contributors
- Institution:
- University of Oxford
- Division:
- GLAM
- Department:
- Bodleian Libraries
- Sub department:
- Reader Servs Bodleian Library
- Role:
- Contributor
- ORCID:
- 0000-0002-1142-6440
- Institution:
- University of Oxford
- Oxford college:
- Harris Manchester College
- Role:
- Contributor
- Institution:
- University of Oxford
- Oxford college:
- St Hilda's College
- Role:
- Contributor
- Institution:
- University of Oxford
- Division:
- MSD
- Department:
- Primary Care Health Sciences
- Oxford college:
- Kellogg College
- Role:
- Supervisor
- DOI:
- Type of award:
- MSc taught course
- Level of award:
- Masters
- Awarding institution:
- University of Oxford
- Language:
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English
- Keywords:
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- Subjects:
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- Deposit date:
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2025-04-27
- ARK identifier:
Terms of use
- Copyright holder:
- Anuj Gupta
- Copyright date:
- 2024
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