What factors are contributing to physician burnout?

A new survey from Medscape took a closer look at the fourth element of the Quadruple Aim: provider well-being. In addition to asking physicians about their feelings of burnout and depression, the survey asked respondents about what was contributing to their burnout.

A new survey from Medscape took a closer look at the fourth element of the Quadruple Aim: provider well-being.

Approximately 15,000 physicians from 29 specialties took part in the survey.

Among respondents, 42 percent said they were burned out. Twelve percent reported colloquial depression (or what Medscape described as “feeling down” depression). And 3 percent said they were clinically depressed.

Female doctors seemed slightly more likely to experience burnout. Forty-eight percent of women physicians reported it compared to 38 percent of male physicians.

Digging a little deeper, Medscape found a few specialties were more likely to experience feelings of burnout, including critical care, neurology and family medicine. OB/GYNs and internists also topped the list.

Pathologists, dermatologists and plastic surgeons were least likely to experience burnout. Perhaps this isn’t altogether surprising, as these specialties aren’t as likely to work in emergency situations.

Medscape also asked respondents about the factors contributing to their feelings of burnout. They could select more than one option.

Fifty-six percent cited too many bureaucratic tasks like charting and paperwork. Thirty-nine percent said spending too many hours at work, and 26 percent listed a lack of respect from colleagues or staff members.

Twenty-four percent said the increasing computerization of healthcare (that is, EHRs) contributed to their burnout. It makes sense that EHRs made the list, given that a recent study out of the University of Wisconsin and the American Medical Association found EHR-related tasks take up half of the primary care physician’s workday.

Other factors cited by physicians included insufficient compensation (24 percent), lack of control/autonomy (21 percent) and lack of respect from patients (16 percent). Sixteen percent also cited government regulations, and 15 percent said an emphasis on profits over patients.

Despite shared feelings of burnout, doctors cope with it differently.

Half said they exercise, 46 percent said they talk to family members or close friends and 42 percent said they sleep. Others cited some not-so-healthy habits, such as binge eating. Small portions of physicians admitted to smoking cigarettes (3 percent), using prescription drugs (2 percent) and smoking marijuana (1 percent).

Respondents also discussed factors that would reduce their burnout.

Thirty-five percent said increased financial compensation would help. Thirty-one percent reported a more manageable work schedule/call hours. Additionally, 27 percent listed decreased government regulations and 24 percent cited more reasonable patient loads.

Other top factors included increased control/autonomy, more paid time off, a more flexible schedule and greater respect from patients. Five percent said a more supportive spouse/partner would help reduce feelings of burnout.

Photo: daizuoxin, Getty Images

Shares1
Shares1