Dissertation
Enhancing the Wellbeing of Primary Care Providers with Alterations in Inbasket Message Workflow
University of Iowa
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
Spring 2025
Abstract
Background: Electronic Health Record (EHR) inbasket messaging contributes significantly to primary care provider burnout by increasing administrative burden. Burnout negatively affects provider job satisfaction and wellbeing.Purpose: This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project aimed to reduce EHR-related burden and improve provider wellbeing by implementing a nurse-led triage workflow to streamline patient message management.Methods: Using a pre-post quality improvement design, the intervention was implemented in an outpatient family medicine clinic. A nurse triage team used a decision-making flowsheet to manage and route inbasket messages. Five providers participated. Data collection included counting and recording MyChart message volumes and pre/post surveys measuring provider satisfaction and perceived stress. Descriptive and inferential statistics were analyzed using Intellectus Statistics.Findings: Although the overall message volume did not significantly decline post-intervention (12.9 vs. 13.6 messages/day, p = .35), provider satisfaction increased (pre: 12.8; post: 13.4; p = .037). One-month post-intervention (January) did show a statistically significant drop in message volume (11.9/day; p = .01). Perceived stress scores increased (pre: 8.4; post: 9.0; p = .047). Discussion: The structured triage workflow modestly improved satisfaction without an immediate reduction in message volume. The increase in stress may reflect the initial adjustment period and seasonal factors. These findings suggest that while workflow changes can enhance perceived control, complementary strategies may be needed to reduce overall burden. Long-term data collection and larger sample sizes are recommended to evaluate sustainability and broader impact.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Enhancing the Wellbeing of Primary Care Providers with Alterations in Inbasket Message Workflow
- Creators
- Mason Kerian - University of Iowa
- Contributors
- Nicola Jane Stickney (Chair) - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Project Type
- Poster
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Date degree season
- Spring 2025
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- 1 page
- Copyright
- Copyright 2025 Mason Kerian
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Nursing; Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects
- Record Identifier
- 9984841036702771
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