Combating clinician burnout: Can AI be the solution to healthcare’s time crunch?

Clinician burnout has become a defining challenge in today’s healthcare landscape. With nearly half of clinicians reporting that tiredness impairs their ability to treat patients effectively, the need for innovative solutions has never been more urgent. As healthcare systems worldwide grapple with rising patient volumes and increasing administrative burdens, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a promising tool to help clinicians reclaim their time and focus on what matters most: patient care.

The Scope of Clinician Burnout

According to the Clinician of the Future 2025 report by Elsevier, over a quarter (28%) of clinicians admit they don’t have enough time to deliver quality care, with high patient volume cited as the leading cause by 74% of this group. Nearly half (47%) say tiredness has impaired their ability to treat patients effectively, and 31% are considering leaving their roles in the next couple of years. These statistics underscore a critical issue: clinician burnout is not only affecting individual well-being but also threatening the stability of healthcare systems globally.

Administrative burden is a significant contributor to this crisis. Almost three-quarters (73%) of clinicians who lack sufficient time for patient care point to excessive administrative tasks, such as updating health records, as a major factor. The cumulative effect of these pressures is that clinicians are stretched thin, which puts patient care at risk.

AI Solutions: Reducing Administrative Workloads

AI-driven tools are increasingly being recognized as effective solutions for healthcare time management and reducing clinician burnout. Clinician of the Future 2025 reveals that 76% of clinicians have used an AI tool, with nearly half (48%) using them for work purposes—almost double the rate reported in 2024. These tools are not just theoretical; they are actively transforming daily workflows.

One of the most impactful uses of AI in healthcare is automating routine administrative tasks. For example, 23% of clinicians already use AI to write patient letters, and 22% use it to write clinical notes. Additionally, 17% use AI tools to handle pre-authorizations for payers. By streamlining these time-consuming processes, AI allows clinicians to spend more time with patients and less time on paperwork.

AI is also making strides in clinical decision support. Thirty percent of clinicians are already using AI to identify drug interactions, and 21% are leveraging AI to analyze medical images. These applications not only enhance efficiency but also contribute to more accurate and timely diagnoses, further improving patient outcomes.

Empowering Clinicians and Improving Retention

The benefits of AI extend beyond time savings. Over half (57%) of clinicians perceive clinical AI tools as saving them time, while 53% feel empowered by these technologies. By reducing administrative burden, AI solutions help alleviate the stress and fatigue that contribute to clinician burnout. This, in turn, can improve job satisfaction and retention rates—a crucial factor as the World Health Organization projects a shortfall of 11 million healthcare workers by 2030.

However, the report also highlights the importance of trust and training. Only 32% of clinicians believe their institutions provide sufficient access to digital tools, and just 30% rate their institution’s AI training as adequate. To fully realize the potential of AI in combating clinician burnout, healthcare institutions must prioritize access, training, and robust governance of AI technologies.

Looking Ahead: The Future of AI in Healthcare Time Management

Clinicians are optimistic about the future impact of AI. Seventy percent predict that AI will save them time in the next two to three years, and 55% believe it will help improve patient outcomes. As AI becomes more integrated into healthcare systems, its role in reducing administrative burden and supporting clinician well-being will only grow.

To unlock these benefits, collaboration is key. Technology providers must ensure transparency, privacy, and accountability in AI tools. Healthcare institutions need to invest in training and support, while clinicians should actively share their needs and experiences to guide future developments.

A path forward

Clinician burnout is a complex, multifaceted challenge, but AI solutions offer a path forward. By automating administrative tasks and supporting clinical decision-making, AI can help clinicians manage their workloads more effectively, reduce fatigue, and ultimately improve patient care. As the healthcare sector continues to evolve, embracing AI-driven tools will be essential for building a more sustainable, resilient workforce.