A recent Black Book survey reveals significant challenges in clinical workflow completion across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., despite advancements in digital health technologies.
The survey, which included responses from 2,040 clinicians, highlights that while electronic health records (EHRs), artificial intelligence (AI), and interoperability are progressing, the actual completion of clinical tasks often requires manual follow-up. The study assessed the Clinical Loop Closure Index, which scored an average of 44 out of 100 across the three countries, indicating substantial gaps in workflow efficiency.
In the U.S., the lowest score of 41 reflects burdens from payer authorization processes and portal overload, with 79% of clinicians reporting the need for weekly manual follow-ups. Canadian clinicians, with a score of 45, face challenges related to data fragmentation and interoperability across provinces, while 70% reported that outside data is not usable at the point of care. The U.K. scored slightly better at 46, yet clinicians still struggle with discharge coordination and referral tracking, with 70% indicating the need for manual follow-ups.
This research underscores a critical insight: the digital health landscape is evolving, but the effectiveness of these systems is measured not just by their adoption but by their ability to ensure that clinical tasks are completed without additional burdens on healthcare providers. As Doug Brown from Black Book notes, the focus should shift from merely implementing technology to ensuring that it delivers tangible outcomes in patient care, minimizing the need for manual tracking by clinicians.