A growing number of American doctors are
struggling with burnout, according to a new study.
Researchers analyzed results from 2011
and 2014 surveys from more than 6,000 U.S. doctors. They found that 54 percent
of doctors met criteria for burnout in 2014, compared to just 45 percent in
2011.
Burnout increased across almost all
specialties, but the highest rates were among general internal medicine,
emergency medicine, and family medicine practitioners. Rates of depression and
number of work hours did not increase over that time.
In addition to the increase in burnout,
doctors’ satisfaction of work-life balance decreased from 2011 to 2014.
This study was published in December 2015
in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings
journal. Mayo Clinic researchers partnered with the American Medical
Association for the study.
Signs of burnout include an individual
losing sight of the meaning of work, feeling ineffective at work, and feeling
emotionally exhausted. The study concluded a growing number of physicians in
nearly every speciality feel this way, which is bad news for the individuals,
their families, their patients, and the medical profession as a whole.
According to past research, burnout leads
to higher doctor turnover, poor patient care, and a decline in quality for the
healthcare system.
There are several measures healthcare
organizations can take to combat burnout and reduce risk of doctor burnout.
These include:
1.
Allowing doctors greater control and
flexibility in their work
2.
Develop adequate administrative support
systems.
3.
Remind employees WHY they do what they
do; help them find and remember the meaning of their work.
There are also activities doctors
themselves can participate in to help prevent burnout:
1.
Spend time with your friends and family
2.
Find things that are meaningful to you
outside of work.
3.
Exercise regularly and make self-care a
priority. This includes taking vacation time.