How Health Care Workers Can Manage Digital Fatigue

By
Sara Novak
June 15, 2026
0 min

Journal Of Medical Internet Research (Jmir)

Overview

Health care professionals face increasing digital fatigue due to the demands of electronic health records and alerts, contributing to burnout. Streamlining digital workloads and recognizing digital fatigue as an occupational risk are essential for improving clinician well-being.

Background

The digital transformation in health care aims to enhance patient care and streamline processes. However, it often leads to increased workloads for health care workers, resulting in exhaustion and burnout. Understanding and addressing digital fatigue is crucial for maintaining the mental health and efficiency of health care professionals.

Data Highlights

No numerical data provided in the source material.

Key Findings

Digital fatigue can lead to emotional exhaustion and decreased patient interaction.
Redundant alerts and messages in electronic health records (EHRs) contribute to clinician burnout.
Digital compassion fatigue (DCF) affects health care workers providing care through virtual platforms.
Streamlining alerts and implementing team-based inbox management can mitigate digital fatigue.
Health care institutions must recognize digital workload as part of the clinical workday.

Clinical Implications

Health care professionals should prioritize strategies to manage digital fatigue, such as reducing unnecessary alerts and optimizing team workflows. Recognizing digital workload as a legitimate aspect of clinical practice is essential for improving clinician well-being and patient care.

Conclusion

Addressing digital fatigue is vital for sustaining the health care workforce and ensuring quality patient care. Implementing effective strategies can help alleviate the burdens associated with digital transformation.