Administrative burden of laboratory notification processes among family physicians in British Columbia: implications for patient safety and care quality

Background While administrative work is necessary in medical practice, duplicative processes lacking closed-loop communication impose hidden workloads that erode family physicians’ (FPs) capacity to deliver safe, timely care. Although administrative burden has been linked to burnout and increased risk of medical errors, limited studies empirically examine how laboratory notification processes function as a distinct workflow that generates administrative burden and impacts patient safety. Method In this qualitative study, we purposively sampled 11 FPs practicing across five geographical regions in British Columbia. We conducted semi-structured interviews between January and March 2025. Interview transcripts were coded independently by two authors. Using thematic analysis and NVivo software, we inductively identified themes to describe the impacts of laboratory notification processes on patient safety and care quality, and their potential causes. Results We identified four major interconnected themes: physician burnout, notification alert fatigue, delayed care, and inefficiencies (resources and provider time). Physician burnout increases due to the need to review updated reports as results are shared on an ongoing basis, and results may be duplicated between reports, resulting in continuous, around-the-clock work. Notification alert fatigue results from repeated and redundant information that imposes unnecessary cognitive burden on FPs. Delayed care can occur if laboratory test results are missed or delayed, thereby impeding timely patient care. Examples of inefficiencies include duplicate requisitions from multiple providers and time lost to redundant tasks that do not contribute meaningfully to clinical decision-making. Conclusion Findings highlight the impact of administrative burden on efficiency, patient safety, and FP well-being. Improving laboratory notification processes could reduce burnout and improve care quality.