SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Charting New Territory: Secure Messaging Impact on Hospital Workflow

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This study examined how secure messaging (SM) within the inpatient electronic medical record affects workflow for internal medicine residents and hospitalists, and whether messaging patterns differ by gender. Over a six-month period (May–October 2023), the authors analyzed EMR and SM usage among 96 hospitalists and 46 residents.<br /><br />Key findings showed that both groups spent a substantial amount of time in the EMR, with about 40% of work time devoted to the EMR and roughly 15–16% of that time spent on secure messaging. Residents and hospitalists spent similar total time in the EMR and SM, but residents sent significantly more messages per day than hospitalists (94 vs 72), while hospitalists’ messages were longer on average. Message volume decreased with more years of experience, suggesting less experienced clinicians send more frequent but shorter messages.<br /><br />Regarding gender, the study found no statistically significant differences in EMR time or number of secure messages. However, there was a trend suggesting female providers may spend slightly more time in the EMR and SM, send more messages, and respond faster than male providers.<br /><br />Overall, the study concludes that secure messaging adds a meaningful time burden to inpatient workflow for both residents and hospitalists. It also suggests possible differences in communication style by training level, while gender effects remain uncertain and need further study.

Asset Subtitle

Micaela Witte

Meta Tag

Author List Catherine McDermott, Kathryn Levy, Micaela Witte, Virginia Sheffield

Category Research

Concept Electronic Medical Record Documentation

Concept Secure Messaging

Concept Workflow Burden

Concept Internal Medicine Resident

Concept Hospitalist Role

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization University of Michigan

Presenting Author Micaela Witte

Track Communication

Keywords

secure messaging

inpatient electronic medical record

workflow

internal medicine residents

hospitalists

EMR usage

message volume

gender differences

communication patterns

clinical time burden

Electronic Medical Record Documentation

Secure Messaging

Workflow Burden

Internal Medicine Resident

Hospitalist Role