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Open Access
CC BY 4.0 · Appl Clin Inform 2025; 16(05): 1621-1626
DOI: 10.1055/a-2628-1323
Special Topic on Reducing Technology-Related Stress and Burnout

Enabling Canadian Physician Wellness in the Age of Digital Innovation: What Do We Need to Succeed?

Authors

  • Tania Tajirian

    1   Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    2   University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

  • Brian Lo

    2   University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    3   Unity Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

  • Adam Tasca

    1   Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    2   University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

  • Brittany Poynter

    1   Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    2   University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

  • Gwyneth Zai

    1   Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    2   University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

  • Gillian Strudwick

    1   Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    2   University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

  • Chandi Chandrasena

    4   OntarioMD, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

  • Karim Jessa

    5   The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Toronto, Ontario, Canada

  • Phil Shin

    2   University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

  • Julie Maggi

    2   University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    3   Unity Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

  • Uzma Haider

    1   Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

  • Andrew Pinfold

    6   Vancouver Physician Staff Association, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

  • Ashley P. Miller

    7   Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
    8   IWK Health, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

  • Ashley Chisholm

    9   Canadian Medical Association, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

  • Dawn Lake

    10   Doctors of BC, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

  • Damian Jankowicz

    2   University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    3   Unity Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

  • Sanjeev Sockalingam

    1   Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    2   University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Funding None.
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Abstract

Background

Digital health tools, such as artificial intelligence scribes, offer significant potential to alleviate physician burnout and reduce administrative burdens associated with electronic health records. Despite their promise, Canadian health care organizations face challenges in establishing cohesive strategies for their effective implementation and evaluation.

Objectives

This paper explores actionable, organizational strategies to enhance physician wellness through digital health tools. It examines systemic barriers, promising practices, and infrastructure needs, culminating in five key recommendations for sustainable adoption.

Methods

An environmental scan assessed digital health initiatives across Canada, incorporating case studies from wellness committees, advisory councils, and physician-led programs. National surveys and evaluation frameworks were reviewed to identify barriers, facilitators, and outcomes.

Results

Findings highlight challenges such as insufficient training and funding, fragmented governance and policies, and varied accessibility to digital tools. Promising initiatives demonstrated reduced documentation burdens, improved physician satisfaction, and streamlined workflows. Successful strategies included forming advisory committees, developing governance frameworks, and implementing standardized training programs. However, systemic barriers, including funding constraints and resistance to change, persist and require targeted interventions.

Conclusion

The responsible adoption of digital health tools in Canadian health care demands robust governance, equitable funding, and standardized toolkits tailored to diverse settings. Active physician engagement and comprehensive training programs are essential to overcoming systemic challenges and fostering sustainable improvements in physician wellness and health care system efficiency.

Keywords

burnout - physician wellness - electronic health records - digital health

Protection of Human and Animal Subjects

No human subjects were involved in this project.




Publication History

Received: 10 February 2025

Accepted: 04 May 2025

Article published online:
07 November 2025

© 2025. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

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