There is no doubt that burnout, which has symptoms such as detachment, diminishing empathy and emotional exhaustion, negatively affects physicians. Almost half of all physicians in the country are suffering from at least one symptom of burnout, according to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Perhaps more troubling is that the symptoms associated with burnout can also have a negative affect on patients who rely on burned-out physicians for care.
"Burnout can lead to misdiagnosis," said Paul Griner, MD, professor emeritus at the University of Rochester (N.Y.) School of Medicine and Dentistry and author of The Power of Patient Stories: Learning Moments in Medicine. He emphasized that the symptoms of burnout can impede a physician's ability to accurately assess patients. "Doctors need to be in tune with their patients, asking, listening and connecting the dots. They can't do that effectively if they’re burned out."
Furthering the problem is that the specialties that are most at-risk of burnout, according to the study, were family medicine, general internal medicine and emergency medicine. According to Dr. Griner, those are the specialties that benefit the most from listening to patients, since they are the first point of patient contact.
With burnout causing problems for care givers and their patients, it becomes important for hospitals and health systems to step in and work toward reducing physician stress and burnout.
Hospitals and health systems can help their physicians stay healthy by making exercise facilities available to physicians. For example, Sanford Health in Fargo, N.D., has implemented a program that makes gym membership available to physicians at a reduced cost.
Having a good work-life balance can also help avoid physician burnout. Too much time at work and not enough time relaxing with family and loved ones is a major contributor to burnout and stress, according to Dr. Griner. Hospitals and health systems can help physicians achieve a better balance by ensuring they are not working more than 60-hour weeks.
Therefore, strategies that fight burnout must acknowledge the buildup of stress and start as early as medical school. Dr. Griner suggested that teachers should give medical students and residents tools to cope with burnout and reduce stress.
Does Money Play No Role in Physician Burnout?
Survey: Majority of Physicians Believe Stress Could Impact Patient Care
"Burnout can lead to misdiagnosis," said Paul Griner, MD, professor emeritus at the University of Rochester (N.Y.) School of Medicine and Dentistry and author of The Power of Patient Stories: Learning Moments in Medicine. He emphasized that the symptoms of burnout can impede a physician's ability to accurately assess patients. "Doctors need to be in tune with their patients, asking, listening and connecting the dots. They can't do that effectively if they’re burned out."
Furthering the problem is that the specialties that are most at-risk of burnout, according to the study, were family medicine, general internal medicine and emergency medicine. According to Dr. Griner, those are the specialties that benefit the most from listening to patients, since they are the first point of patient contact.
With burnout causing problems for care givers and their patients, it becomes important for hospitals and health systems to step in and work toward reducing physician stress and burnout.
Importance of physician physical and mental health
Physicians can spend so much of their time focusing on patient health that they forget that their own health is important as well. "Taking care of yourself physically is fundamental for coping with stress and the negative emotions…that can come with working in any field," Dr. Griner said. Eating right, exercising and getting enough sleep are all important healthy habits that can reduce physician burnout.Hospitals and health systems can help their physicians stay healthy by making exercise facilities available to physicians. For example, Sanford Health in Fargo, N.D., has implemented a program that makes gym membership available to physicians at a reduced cost.
Having a good work-life balance can also help avoid physician burnout. Too much time at work and not enough time relaxing with family and loved ones is a major contributor to burnout and stress, according to Dr. Griner. Hospitals and health systems can help physicians achieve a better balance by ensuring they are not working more than 60-hour weeks.
Start early
Physicians do not get burned-out all at once; it takes time for the symptoms to build and affect the physicians. Dr. Griner noted that stress can begin to build early in a physician's career, even as early as medical school.Therefore, strategies that fight burnout must acknowledge the buildup of stress and start as early as medical school. Dr. Griner suggested that teachers should give medical students and residents tools to cope with burnout and reduce stress.
More Articles on Physician Burnout:
Using Hybrid Concierge Medicine to Attract, Incentivize Primary Care PhysiciansDoes Money Play No Role in Physician Burnout?
Survey: Majority of Physicians Believe Stress Could Impact Patient Care