Relationship between electronic health record documentation burden, job satisfaction and burnout among staff nurses at KG Hospital, Coimbatore

Abstract

Background: Electronic health record (EHR) systems have become an essential component of healthcare delivery, improving the quality and accessibility of patient information. However, increasing documentation requirements may contribute to documentation burden, influencing nurses’ job satisfaction and burnout. This study aimed to assess the relationship between EHR documentation burden, job satisfaction, and burnout among staff nurses at KG Hospital, Coimbatore.

Methods: A hospital-based quantitative descriptive correlational study was conducted among 100 registered staff nurses selected using a non-probability convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using a self-structured demographic questionnaire, a Self-Structured EHR documentation burden scale, the McCloskey/Mueller satisfaction scale (MMSS), and the Maslach burnout inventory-human services survey (MBI-HSS). Data were analysed using Microsoft Excel. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient were used for data analysis. A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The majority of the participants had a moderate level of EHR documentation burden (90%) and burnout (64%), whereas 69% reported a high level of job satisfaction. EHR documentation burden showed a very weak negative correlation with job satisfaction (r=−0.076) and a weak positive correlation with burnout (r=0.252). Job satisfaction demonstrated a moderate positive correlation with burnout (r=0.451). Significant associations were observed between area of working and EHR documentation burden, experience in using EHR and job satisfaction, and formal EHR documentation training and burnout (p<0.05).

Conclusions: The study found that EHR documentation burden was associated with job satisfaction and burnout among staff nurses. Optimizing EHR documentation processes, improving system usability, and providing continuous EHR training may help reduce documentation burden and support nurses' professional well-being.