Physician burnout is a long-term stress reaction characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization (indifference toward or detachment from work), and a decreased sense of personal achievement. Physicians are especially prone to burnout with almost half of physicians reporting at least one symptom of burnout.
Causes and Effects of Burnout
Physician burnout not only negatively affects physicians and their families, but it also puts patients at risk. Evidence suggests that physician burnout worsens the quality of patient care, increases the risk of medical errors, and decreases patient satisfaction.
Excessive workload, high patient volumes, administrative and regulatory burdens, increased documentation requirements, limited control over work schedules, and lack of support and autonomy from their organizations have been shown to increase physician stress levels and lead to a lack of work-life balance, emotional exhaustion, and poor relationships with colleagues and patients. This all creates burnout.
Steps You Can Take to Prevent Burnout
Here are some steps you can take at your practice to help reduce stress and prevent burnout: