Study Spotlight: Time Wasted by Health Professionals = Time Lost for Patients
- Tristan
- Feb 17
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 11
Every healthcare provider knows the feeling: too many patients, too much paperwork, and not enough time in the day. But what happens when time itself becomes the bottleneck in delivering care? A recent study from Ethiopia puts a spotlight on just how costly poor time management can be in healthcare.
The Study in Brief
Researchers surveyed more than 400 healthcare professionals working at public hospitals in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. What they found was striking:
Only about 66% of health professionals practiced good time management.
Staff shortages, lack of planning, and workplace distractions were the biggest barriers.
Those who failed to plan their daily or weekly tasks were six times more likely to struggle with time management.
As the authors wrote: “time wasted by health professionals is time not invested in patients” (fpubh)
Why This Matters Everywhere
This wasn’t just an Ethiopian issue. Across the globe, studies have shown similar challenges:
In the U.S., time-motion studies reveal that physicians often spend more time entering data into electronic health records than face-to-face with patients.
Nurses report being pulled away from bedside care for documentation and administrative duties.
Dentists, especially in private practice, find themselves drowning in insurance paperwork and scheduling demands.
No matter the country or specialty, the story is the same: healthcare providers are losing valuable time to tasks that don’t directly benefit patients.frustrated, or exhausted
(AACN).
The Ripple Effect on Care
Poor time management in healthcare isn’t just an inconvenience — it has real consequences:
Longer wait times for patients.
Shorter, rushed consultations that miss important details.
Increased stress and burnout among providers.
Higher risk of errors when multitasking replaces careful attention.
When time is stretched thin, both providers and patients suffer.
Fighting Back Against Burnout
The good news is, burnout isn’t permanent — and there are ways to push back:
Smarter time management – prioritizing urgent tasks and avoiding unnecessary meetings.
Streamlined documentation – using templates, digital shortcuts, or voice tools to cut down on paperwork.
Team support – leaning on colleagues, asking for help, and sharing the workload.
Work-life boundaries – making rest and recovery a real priority, not an afterthought.
What Can Be Done?
The Ethiopian study offers some practical insights that apply everywhere:
Better planning and prioritization – Simple daily goal-setting can dramatically improve efficiency.
Workforce support – Adequate staffing and fair compensation improve motivation and time use.
Reducing distractions – Cutting back on unnecessary meetings, workplace gossip, or digital interruptions frees up hours.
Training and orientation – New staff adapt faster when guided on effective time use.
A Universal Challenge, A Shared Opportunity
Whether in Bahir Dar or Boston, time is the most valuable resource in healthcare. Providers want to give patients their best, but too often they’re trapped in a system that doesn’t respect their time.
The solution isn’t just about working harder — it’s about working smarter. From planning tools to technology that automates routine tasks, the future of healthcare must be built around giving providers their time back so patients can receive the care they deserve.
Reference
Addis, B.A., Gelaw, Y.M., Eyowas, F.A., Bogale, T.W., Aynalem, Z.B., & Guadie, H.A. (2023). “Time wasted by health professionals is time not invested in patients”: Time management practice and associated factors among health professionals at public hospitals in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia: A multicenter mixed method study. Frontiers in Public Health, 11:1159275. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1159275
