The administrative burden of modern medicine is the root cause of physician burnout, a joint study between AMA and RAND Corp. revealed. In an effort to try to combat this burden, the AMA has launched an interactive practice transformation series.
AMA STEPS Forward offers innovative strategies to allow physicians and staff to thrive in the evolving healthcare environment and refocus their practices to confront common challenges and devote more time to caring for patients.
"Research shows that rates of overall burnout among U.S. physicians approach 40 percent, more than 10 percentage points higher than the general population, which is why the AMA is taking a hands-on approach to meeting their day-to-day concerns through a new online practice transformation series called AMA STEPS Forward," AMA Executive Vice President and CEO James L. Madara, MD, said in a statement. "Physicians can find transformative solutions for their medical practices that can foster professional fulfillment by freeing them to enjoy one of the central reasons they chose a career in medicine — to spend more time with their patients and ensure they receive the highest-quality care."
The AMA-RAND report found physician satisfaction is often impacted by time spent on bureaucratic obstacles, such as administrative rules, regulations and paperwork, rather than with patients. With STEPS Forward, the AMA aims to take on the major contributors to symptoms of burnout, including emotional fatigue, loss of enthusiasm and early retirement.
Physicians may access education modules at STEPSforward.org. The modules currently address four key areas: practice efficiency and patient care, patient health, technology and innovation, and physician health. As part of the AMA STEPS Forward launch, the AMA and the Medical Group Management Association are seeking proposals for solutions to help physicians adapt to the changing healthcare environment. The best proposals are eligible for prizes and must be submitted by September 1, 2015.
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