As Clinician Burnout Surges, Shared Mobile Programs Can Bring Relief

Healthcare organizations are facing pressure. The Association of American Medical Colleges projects a shortage of more than 85,000 primary care physicians by 2036, leaving clinicians to support growing patient demands with fewer resources. The result is alarming: burnout rates among nurses continue to climb, with more than 65% reporting high stress. This crisis directly impacts clinician satisfaction as well as the quality and safety of patient care.

At the same time, technology designed to ease burnout often becomes another source of frustration. Inconsistent access to shared mobile devices and complex login procedures delay processes and create friction. Imprivata research shows that 62% of clinicians struggle to access shared devices quickly, and nearly one in four devices are lost each year, eroding both productivity and trust in technology.

“Healthcare organizations cannot afford to ignore the link between clinician burnout and inefficiency,” said Dr. Sean Kelly, Chief Medical Officer at Imprivata, in a recent article for Healthcare IT Today. “Mobile devices help meet increased patient demand, and when properly implemented, they offer a powerful lever to support workforce sustainability. They reduce the daily friction that fuels stress while enabling clinicians to do the work that matters most.”

To make mobile technology a true ally, healthcare organizations must focus on thoughtful deployment of shared mobile programs. Key strategies include implementing role-based access controls, automating device provisioning, and integrating interoperability across systems. Passwordless authentication, single sign-on (SSO), and identity and access management (IAM) policies can further streamline secure access, ensuring clinicians spend less time logging in and more time focused on care.

By optimizing shared device use, healthcare leaders can help restore balance to an overstretched workforce—empowering clinicians, protecting data, and ensuring patients receive high-quality care.

Learn how to simplify secure access and strengthen clinical workflows with shared mobile devices.