By Haley Holmes
August 28, 2024
Physician burnout is increasingly surfacing as a major pain point within the healthcare industry, affecting both physicians’ well-being and the quality of care they provide. Additionally, this issue exacerbates workforce shortages further straining the healthcare system. Addressing burnout is essential for maintaining high-quality patient care and creating a sustainable healthcare environment. In this blog post, Reginald Ross, M.D., an internal medicine specialist at CenterWell Senior Primary Care shares his experience, particularly the impact of excessive workload and lack of support on physicians. He also offers insights on how to address and prevent burnout effectively.
Physician burnout often arises from prolonged stressors, including heavy workloads, administrative burdens, and limited control over work processes. Many physicians find themselves in demanding roles, especially in health care settings with high patient volumes, where they may see up to 20 patients a day, often with complex conditions. Statista indicates that physicians typically work about 50 hours each week. A University of Chicago study points out how unrealistic this is, suggesting that physicians would need almost 27 hours a day to meet primary care standards. This intense schedule results in severe physical and mental fatigue, which can hinder physicians' ability to connect with patients in a meaningful way. In fact, burnout goes beyond just the individual – it can lead to unhappy patients, more medical errors, and higher turnover rates.
Support systems are the key to managing workloads and preventing burnout. Having colleagues who step in when you need help can make a big difference. For instance, if you need to take time off, a supportive team can handle the extra work and help you keep things on track. Moreover, a good work-life balance is crucial for the sustained career satisfaction and retention of Physician. In practices with a value-based care model, seeing fewer patients each day allows for greater control and more personal connection with them. Dr. Reginald Ross insists that prioritizing flexible schedules and wellness resources helps create a work culture where physicians can have a good work-life balance.
Many physicians take work home. But they have their own big challenges. Time spent working at home cuts into quality family time and impacts work-life balance. This is especially true in fee-for-service models, where income is based on service volume, making the pressure to bring work home higher. Switching to a value-based care model could help. With a smaller patient load and fewer daily appointments, supported by a strong care team and advanced EHR systems, Reginald Ross was able to manage his workload more effectively without the need to take work home. This helped him better focus on his patients and also enjoy a more meaningful time with his family.
Preventing burnout in physicians demands both individual and systemic approaches. On an individual level, it's important to focus on self-care, such as regular exercise, mindfulness, and getting enough rest. Physicians can also seek support from peers or mental health professionals when necessary. Systemic approaches, such as implementing efficient EHR systems and employing scribes, can alleviate administrative burden and reduce stress. The most sustainable approach is shifting to value-based care, which focuses on patient outcomes rather than service volume. Physicians should evaluate care models carefully to ensure they can manage their schedules and patient needs without feeling overwhelmed.
Physician burnout isn't just a personal issue—it's something that affects the healthcare system as a whole. To keep physicians healthy and motivated to provide high quality patient care, healthcare organizations must adopt sustainable practices such as using scribes, offering flexible schedules, and fostering a culture that truly supports physician well-being. Dr. Reginald Ross says that his practice has seen significant improvements and encourages others to take similar steps.
Physician burnout presents a major challenge to the healthcare system, taking a toll on physicians’
personal well-being and quality of patient care. A significant contributor to burnout is the
administrative burden that comes with heavy workloads. By effectively managing these burdens through
better support systems, value-based care models, and implementing scribes, physicians can alleviate
stress and enhance patient care.
For a practical solution to alleviate administrative burdens and prevent burnout, consider hiring
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allowing you to focus on patient care and achieve a healthier work-life balance. To learn more contact
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Medical scribes are a clinical innovation increasingly being used to address the documentation burdens placed on physicians, while improving workflow, efficiency, and communication.
Medical transcription involves converting recorded audio files into written documents. It is commonly referred to as "audio-to-text" or "dictation."
Medical scribes play a crucial role in improving the quality of care delivered at hospitals.
