The Role of Emerging Technologies in Physician Well-being-View Presentation Slides

View Presentation Slides

Pdf Summary

This presentation by Dr. Steven Chan explores how emerging technologies can improve physician well-being, addressing the severe public health crisis of physician burnout exacerbated by demanding electronic health records (EHRs) and regulatory burdens.<br /><br />Key strategies include adopting an "external brain" through personal knowledge management systems and task-tracking apps to offload mental tasks and focus on controllable issues, improving productivity and reducing stress. Smartphone hygiene—silencing unnecessary notifications and managing screen time—is emphasized as a way to establish digital boundaries and protect mental health.<br /><br />Technological tools such as Microsoft 365 and its AI-powered Copilot functionalities are showcased for streamlining documentation, scheduling, and communication workflows. Efficient use of copy-paste, keyboard shortcuts, and EHR “smart” functions help minimize time spent on tedious data entry while cautioning against risks of inaccurate documentation.<br /><br />Emerging hardware like multi-button trackballs, widescreen monitors, tablets with pens, and virtual reality (VR) applications provide additional support. VR is highlighted for immersive mindfulness, exposure therapy (e.g., Psious), and AI-assisted mental health interventions that aid relaxation and stress relief.<br /><br />Wellness apps for meditation, mood tracking, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and journaling (e.g., Apple Health and Journal) are encouraged to maintain personal mental health. Social media platforms, podcasts, and professional online communities offer peer support and ongoing education.<br /><br />AI assistants and agents, such as AsyncHealth’s tools, Nuance DAX, and various AI scribes, automate clinical documentation and routine tasks, allowing clinicians to focus more on patient care rather than administrative busywork. Large language models are useful for drafting communications, emotional support, and just-in-time learning but require careful verification for accuracy.<br /><br />Finally, life management technologies—including rideshare, grocery delivery, and virtual assistants—enable physicians to outsource errands, reclaim time, and enhance work-life balance.<br /><br />Overall, Dr. Chan advocates for leveraging a combination of digital tools, AI, hardware innovations, and workflow optimizations to mitigate burnout, enhance physician well-being, and sustain effective clinical care.

Keywords

physician burnout

electronic health records

personal knowledge management

task-tracking apps

smartphone hygiene

Microsoft 365 Copilot

virtual reality mental health

wellness apps

AI clinical documentation

work-life balance technologies