Treffer: The Contribution of Medical Assistants to Healthcare Workflow Optimization: A Systematic Review

Background: Healthcare systems worldwide are under increasing pressure to improve efficiency and patient flow without compromising care quality. Medical assistants (MAs), as versatile healthcare workers, are increasingly integrated into care teams to support workflow optimization. However, the extent and impact of their contributions remain underexplored. Objective: To systematically review existing literature on the role of medical assistants in optimizing healthcare workflow, with a focus on improving clinical efficiency, reducing provider workload, and enhancing patient throughput. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and Web of Science for studies published between 2010 and 2025. Studies included assessed the impact of MAs on workflow efficiency in various healthcare settings. Data extraction and quality appraisal were conducted independently by two reviewers using standardized tools, and findings were synthesized narratively due to heterogeneity in study designs. Results: Twenty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria. The majority were conducted in primary care and outpatient clinics across North America and Europe. Key contributions of MAs included reduced physician documentation time (reported in 65% of studies), improved patient flow and reduced wait times (54%), and increased provider-patient face time (42%). Several studies highlighted the administrative support provided by MAs, such as electronic health record (EHR) management, contributing to overall workflow efficiency. Conclusion: Medical assistants play a significant role in enhancing healthcare workflow by reducing administrative burden, improving time management, and facilitating smoother patient care processes. Standardized training and clear role delineation may further amplify their impact. Future research should explore their contributions in diverse healthcare environments and assess long-term outcomes.