Burnout is a common issue in many workplaces, though health professionals are among the hardest hit. In fact, some studies suggest that over 50% of providers have experienced burnout.
And that adds up. Burnout costs are estimated at $4.6 billion annually, or about $7,600 per physician.
Regardless, burnout is not an individual failing, but rather the result of systemic issues. However, you can help stop it. Here’s how leaders can uncover and address healthcare burnout within their organization.
Causes of Burnout in Healthcare Workers
Many health workers experience burnout at some point in their careers. Often, it arises due to organizational failures. Examples include:
- Long work hours
- Poor work-life balance
- Increased administrative burden
- Complex technology integrations
- Workplace chaos and inefficiencies
- Unsustainable productivity goals
- Loss of meaningful work
- Lack of flexibility and trust
- Poor leadership
- Reduced control
Unfortunately, these issues can affect anyone, from physicians and APPs to assistants and support staff.
Symptoms and Repercussions of Physician Burnout
Medical professionals may experience a variety of symptoms indicative of burnout. Signs you or a colleague may be burned out include:
- Emotional exhaustion
- Cynicism or depersonalization
- Increased medical errors or safety concerns
- Feeling detached from the job
- Desire to quit the job
- Impaired attention, memory, and executive function
In some cases, symptoms can lead to more serious consequences affecting both providers and patients. Here are some examples:
- Social isolation
- Depression
- Decreased employee retention
- Divorce or other interpersonal relationship concerns
- Substance misuse
- Increased cost of care
- Loss of continuity of care or decreased care access (for patients)
- Lower quality of care and satisfaction rates (for patients)
- Safety threats (for patients)
If you or someone you know is experiencing burnout, it’s important to seek help and advocate for organizational changes.
How to Reduce Healthcare Workforce Burnout
Minimizing the factors that lead to burnout is a critical task for healthcare leaders. Below, explore some of this year’s best practices for reducing burnout:
Promote Provider Wellness
Medical staff should feel supported and respected in their workplace. However, they may not have the time and resources to focus on their well-being outside of work hours. To help combat this, practices should promote regular check-ups and peer support.
Additionally, organizations should offer flexible hours and remote work opportunities when possible. It also helps to schedule specific times throughout the day to complete administrative tasks.
Finally, ensure that staff know how to access confidential mental health services or on-site resources. For example, the Federation of State Physician Health Programs compiles a list of resources for medical staff experiencing mental and behavioral health concerns.
Implement the American Medical Association’s Organizational BiopsyⓇ
In response to this growing issue, the AMA developed an assessment tool called the Organizational Biopsy®. It helps health teams measure physician well-being and determine ways to improve.
It covers four domains: culture, practice efficiency, self-care, and retention. The full program is available to health systems with at least 50 physicians and/or advanced practice providers.
Some of the areas covered with the tool include leadership, teamwork, workflow, and work-life balance. After completing the assessment, AMA experts can provide ongoing support for interventions.
Make Office-Wide Changes
While supporting individual wellness is integral, system-wide changes can support the entire workforce. Organizational interventions could include:
- Rotating on-call coverage
- Encouraging staff to use vacation and sick time
- Creating peer support groups
- Increasing provider flexibility
- Giving staff recognition or incentives
- Scheduling monthly meetings focused on work issues
- Assigning electronic health record (EHR) data entry to medical assistants or scribes
- Asking for feedback and implementing changes
By incorporating system-wide changes that enhance leadership and work culture, you support psychological well-being among medical professionals.
Benefits of Reducing Burnout
Provider burnout is a complex issue, but resolving it is paramount to creating a better work environment. Here are some of the benefits of reducing it:
- Improved patient satisfaction and safety
- Higher quality of care
- Enhanced employee morale
- Better recruitment and job retention
- Improved team performance
- Lower healthcare costs
With that in mind, reducing burnout is critical to improving every aspect of healthcare, from patient outcomes to morale.
Learn More About Provider Well-Being With CME
Curious about the best ways to improve provider well-being at your practice? CME conferences make it easy to stay up to date with the latest in practitioner health and well-being.
Browse our upcoming seminars today to learn more!
