Even before the pandemic, healthcare organizations nationwide were struggling with a shortage of nurses and physicians, much of it driven by burnout. COVID-19 has only exacerbated the issue.

Communication between patients and physicians has become increasingly difficult. Today’s patient visits have taken on a different dynamic than those of the past; electronic health record (EHR) now takes center stage.

The steps health systems and independent practices can take now to mitigate the immediate and long-term impact of COVID-19 on clinician wellness.

The quality of the patient-clinician relationship sets the stage for the quality of that patient’s health. A poor relationship can leave patients frustrated and less informed about their health conditions.

Clinician burnout is a problem that has been skyrocketing in recent years, driven in large part by an excessive administrative burden primarily associated with the electronic health record (EHR).

Improving outcomes, lowering costs, and enhancing the patient experience are the foundational tenets of the Triple Aim—a framework developed by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement more than a decade ago.

New updates are a step in the right direction The biggest change to office…