Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the extent of administrative burden among Italian medical oncologists, identify the most time-consuming administrative activities, assess opportunities for task delegation, and explore the association between administrative workload and physician burnout.
METHODS: A national cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted between February and March 2025 among medical oncologists affiliated with the Italian College of Chiefs of Medical Oncology Units (CIPOMO). The questionnaire investigated time devoted to administrative activities, perceived appropriateness of task delegation, and self-reported burnout. Descriptive analyses were performed on 179 valid responses.
RESULTS: Respondents reported spending a mean of 41.0% of their working time on administrative activities, primarily completing forms, managing information-technology system failures, and performing data entry or data management. Information-technology troubleshooting, inventory control, patient reception, and appointment scheduling were the activities most frequently considered appropriate for delegation. Nearly half of respondents reported experiencing burnout during the previous six months, and more than one fifth identified administrative workload as its main contributing factor. Administrative tasks were widely perceived as reducing time available for direct patient care and other core clinical responsibilities.
CONCLUSIONS: Administrative burden represents a substantial component of Italian oncologists’ daily practice and is perceived as negatively affecting both clinical work and professional well-being. Organizational interventions aimed at reducing non-clinical workload through improved administrative support, optimized digital systems, and redistribution of delegable tasks may help decrease burnout and promote a more sustainable oncology workforce.