6 proven ways doctors can reduce telehealth fatigue
Industry Buzz
I’ve identified that the emotional stress of subtly strained connection is a huge contributor to the exhaustion I feel.
—Bryan Vartabedian, MD, 33 Charts
As hospitals and clinics shut down or limited in-person visits following the emergence of COVID-19, virtual care became a lifeline—for patients and their doctors.
Despite its convenience and promise, telemedicine continues to pose serious challenges to doctors’ health and well-being. What we once called “telemedicine fatigue” (often analogized to “Zoom fatigue”) remains a pressing concern.
Recent research suggests that avoiding burnout will require rethinking how virtual care is delivered, prioritized, and supported.[][]
Changing demands and patterns
The AMA reports that 71.4% of doctors are using teleheath, per 2024 data.[] And while they recognize the positive aspects of telemedicine—improved access to patient care, more time dedicated to counseling patients, and a bird’s eye view of a patient’s home environment and family dynamics—they also report a series of telehealth-specific roadblocks.
In addition to technology issues and a related lack of skill among patients, the absence of touch and common patient-doctor rituals could also deteriorate the relationship between clinicians and their patients.[] The flexibility of telemedicine presents the opportunity for doctors to overbook themselves—a big contributor to physician burnout.
Still, these only touch on patient-related challenges.
Doctors who frequently use telemedicine report ocular stress, body pains, and fatigue.[] These issues surface when video chatting deprives physicians of the full range of non-verbal cues from patients. To make matters worse, doctors often use devices that are too small, causing eye strain and irritation. The cherry on top: Clinicians feel self-conscious and hyper-focused when seeing themselves on the screen. All of these factors pave the way to, eventually, burnout.
The nature of video chatting in appointments has very real consequences for physician mental health, too. Bryan Vartabedian, MD, summed it up well in an article published by 33 Charts: “I’ve identified that the emotional stress of subtly strained connection is a huge contributor to the exhaustion I feel,” he wrote. “A video connection negates the subtleties of connection that are critical to my assessment of a parent and child.”[]
Related: How clinicians can confront public health issues6 useful tips for the clinic
While telemedicine isn't novel in 2025, the data show physicians remain overburdened. That's why it may be time to refresh yourself on best practices for mitigating fatigue and protecting your own well-being. We suggest the following:
Optimize EHR and administrative workflows. Use more efficient EHR templates, employ scribes or documentation support, and reduce after-hours “work outside work.”
Use ergonomic and tech best practices. Schedule shorter sessions, add micro-breaks between appointments, use larger screens, optimize lighting, adjust posture, and reduce video-related eye and body strain.
Connect with colleagues. Facilitate virtual (or in-person) opportunities to counter isolation and emotional fatigue. The American Psychological Association (APA) even suggests carving out time for small talk.[] Instead of rushing through remote work meetings, try to mimic the social format of an in-person shift. Use breakout rooms to chat with colleagues about non-work related topics, such as sports, music, or movies.
Offer mental-health resources, rest, and flexibility. Healthcare systems should provide access to wellness programs, allow flexible scheduling or hybrid telehealth/in-person models, and monitor clinician workloads.
Take breaks. You have permission to stop every once in a while. Get up, rest your eyes, and walk around your office in between sessions. Think of movement as a way to break up the work day and care for your body. If you lack easy access to the outdoors, try breathing exercises, simple stretches, and a short meditation before your next call.
Adopt telehealth judiciously and thoughtfully. Prioritize clinical quality and safety over volume. Recognize that digital medicine is a tool — but not a substitute for real physical exams when needed.