Improvement in clerical work of physicians through the introduction of medical administrative staff

Abstract

In July 2008, medical administrative staff was introduced to the orthopedic surgery department of Chiba Rosai Hospital. The effects of this introduction were evaluated from the aspects of improvement in clerical work and reduction of clerical workload on physicians. Improvement in clerical work was evaluated by comparing the following numbers before and after the introduction of medical administrative staff：the “number of days required to issue a medical certificate” and the “number of days required to complete a hospital discharge summary.” Reduction of physicians' clerical workload was evaluated by examining the changes in “overtime of physician” and physicians' satisfaction level of clerical work by the administrative staff. The mean “number of days required to issue a medical certificate” was shortened from 4.6 days (before introduction) to 1.4 days (after introduction). The mean “number of days required to complete a hospital discharge summary” was markedly reduced from 12.9 days to 4.0 days. The mean reduction of physician overtime was 13.2 hours/month per physician. Overtime pay was reduced by approximately 600,000 yen per month for the orthopedic surgery department following this introduction. Furthermore, performance of the medical administrative staff was evaluated high, and the physicians were highly satisfied with this new addition. Introduction of medical administrative staff not only reduced the workload of physicians but also enabled smooth progression of clerical work.