Gender based differences in electronic medical record utilization in an academic ophthalmology practice

Purpose

To evaluate gender differences in EMR interaction among female and male ophthalmologists at a large tertiary academic center.

Design

Retrospective, cross sectional analysis

Methods

Data from Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system log files and health system administrative data from May 2022 to May 2023 were collected at an academic center. Primary outcomes were differences in time spent interacting with the EMR and In-basket message load between male and female ophthalmologists. Statistical analysis was adjusted for each physicians’ patient panel size, patient panel gender breakdown, and number of appointments.

Results

There were 30 ophthalmologists, 8 (27%) of whom were female. There was a significantly shorter mean length of employment for female ophthalmologists (5.62 ± 8.24 vs 15.26 ± 13.34 years, p = 0.028). In the 12-month analysis period, there was no significant difference in the total number of patients seen between female and male ophthalmologists. However, female ophthalmologists spent 69.6% more total time in the EMR system (409vs 241 h/MD, p < 0.001). Female ophthalmologists spent 118% more time on task oriented in-basket sections such as patient notification, staff messages, and results (18 vs 8 h/ MD, p < 0.001). Female ophthalmologists also received more in-basket messages, with a notable 750% higher volume of patient notification messages (187 vs 22, p < 0.001) while male ophthalmologists received more Care Everywhere functionality notifications (14 vs 3, p < 0.001) and hospital messages (477 vs 233, p = 0.002).

Conclusions

In our cohort, male ophthalmologists’ mean duration of employment was nearly 3 times longer than female ophthalmologists. Despite comparable patient panels and appointment completion rates, female ophthalmologists spent significantly more time in the EMR system and received significantly more in-basketand task directed messages. These findings underscore the need for further studies addressing gender disparities and promoting gender equity in ophthalmology practice settings.