The Significance of Scribes in Orthopedic Surgeon Care

The advent of EHRs has changed the way healthcare providers manage patient data and deliver care. But the balance of benefit versus burden of EHRs is still unclear, as many studies link increased physician burnout and reduced face-to-face time to growing documentation demands. In an orthopedic practice, EHR use takes up 58% of an orthopedic surgeon's clinical day, surpassing the time dedicated to patient care. Given that EHR burden is the primary contributor to physician burnout, implementing strategies like scribes to improve efficiency and reduce EHR workload are necessary to keep orthopedic practices running smoothly.

Scribes And Physician Burnout

Physician burnout is a global issue and is linked to factors like administrative burdens from electronic health record usage. Surgeons, especially orthopedic surgeons, are at higher risk, with increased EHR use exacerbating burnout. Burnout factors among orthopedic surgeons include difficulty maintaining a work-life balance, extended work hours, frequent night shifts, and practicing in private rather than academic settings. Similarly, pediatric orthopedic surgeons spend more time on EHR tasks than interacting with their little patients, averaging 70 mouse clicks per visit. Employing scribes to manage EHR tasks can reduce burnout, improve job satisfaction, and allows physicians, especially orthopedic surgeons, to spend more time with patients, thereby improving their connection with patients and overall efficiency.

Scribes And Patient Satisfaction

A positive physician-patient relationship is crucial for optimal patient outcomes and satisfaction. But EHR use during visits often limits the amount of interpersonal contact. In fact, patients often felt that they have to compete with the computer for physician’s attention. However, use of scribes allows orthopedic surgeons to delegate documentation tasks, resulting in improved patient satisfaction by enabling undivided physician attention. Studies show that patients, particularly those aged 18 to 64, feel more heard with scribes, leading to increased comfort during visits. Despite an increase in the number of patients seen, scribes facilitated smooth patient flow and reduced wait times. Overall, patients expressed positive views about scribes, stating that physicians were more attentive and provided better education when a scribe was present.

Financial Impact Of Scribes

Hiring scribes for an orthopedic practice can save you money. Studies indicate that physicians with scribes experience an increase in patients seen and a boost in productivity, leading to higher annual revenue. Scribes not only enhance workflow efficiency but also help reduce burnout rates among physicians, thereby minimizing turnover expenses and maintaining productivity. A study found that employing scribes in orthopedic practices significantly increased the number of patients seen during clinic hours. For orthopedic surgeons, the number of patients seen was 17.8 without scribe support, but it increased to 22 with the assistance of a scribe during the same time period. Being able to see more patients means generating more revenue for the practice.

Scribes And Patient Care

Scribes offer a promising solution to the challenges posed by EHRs, ensuring that patient care remains a primary focus for orthopedic surgeons. A scribe can document the details of the visit, including patient history, examination findings, and treatment plans all in real-time. With the scribe taking over the documentation tasks, orthopedic surgeons can focus entirely on diagnosing and treating patients with musculoskeletal problems. From fractures and joint replacements to spinal surgeries and sports injuries, scribes provide accurate and thorough documentation that allows orthopedic surgeons to make informed decisions about patient care, leading to better outcomes.

Conclusion

Scribes hold immense significance in orthopedic care. As healthcare continues to evolve, scribes offer a cost-effective solution to mitigate challenges posed by EHRs. Using scribes in orthopedic practices can enhance patient care, improve workflow efficiency, boost patient satisfaction and support physician well-being. Looking to hire a scribe for your orthopedic practice? We’ve got you covered. Physicians Angels has a team of experienced and certified scribes specially trained for orthopedic practices to provide accurate and thorough charting. To learn more about our orthopedic scribes and how they can help your practice, get in touch with us today.