Physician burnout is an epidemic in the medical profession today. Studies have found that, on average, about one in three US doctors is experiencing burnout at any given time, and recent US surveys have put burnout rates above 50%. Doctors are facing extreme work pressures, and those pressures are leading to burnout.
Let’s look at the causes, effects and remedies.
Causes of burnout
Some of the most important factors are:
- Long working hours
- Demanding patients
- New technology adoption
- Increased bureaucratic tasks
- Work-life balance challenges
- Increasing computerization and documentation of clinical practice
- Insufficient income
Effects of burnout
Burned-out doctors are emotionally and physically drained, and that has a negative impact on the care they provide. Burned-out physicians may:
- Lose enthusiasm for work
- Provide lower-quality patient care
- Make more medical errors
- Develop a low sense of personal accomplishment
- Experience disturbed appetite and sleep
- Develop alcohol or substance dependence
- Have impaired relationships
- Become increasingly irritable
- Experience more interpersonal conflict at work or at home
Given these effects, burnout needs to be managed as early as possible, ideally at the preventive stage. Physicians should develop effective ways to combat excess stress.
Remedies for preventing burnout
Exercise, or similar revitalizing activities
Physical exercise reduces stress and improves emotional well-being. Make a daily workout routine and stick to it. Yoga, mindfulness meditation, diaphragmatic breathing, acupuncture and massage therapy have also proved effective in preventing and relieving burnout.
Spend quality time with family and friends
Build emotional connections with the people you love. When you feel burned out, spend time with family and friends instead of withdrawing. Schedule a get-together or plan a quick visit.
Find and pursue your hobbies
Get involved in activities you feel passionate about, such as sports, music, gardening or cycling. Even a favorite TV show, a movie or a concert can help you unwind, manage stress and prevent burnout.
Adopt a healthy lifestyle
- Get at least six hours of sleep a night
- Respect work-life balance
- Turn off your phone at dinner
- Make time to relax
- Get organized and plan your day in advance
- Unwind and recharge mentally
- Don’t set unrealistic expectations
Medical institutions should
- Provide healthy workplaces
- Provide forums where physicians can talk openly about their feelings and job difficulties
- Provide peer support training
- Provide a low-stress environment
Medical institutions should plan and extend their support for physicians, and some hospitals are already taking positive steps to reduce burnout. We should all remember that you can’t take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself.