Burnout affects one-third of physicians
Researchers at Cleveland Clinic in the US have explored the prevalence of physician burnout and found that it affects more than one-third of physicians and takes a toll on delivery of care. The team reported these findings in a research letter published in JAMA International Medicine. “These findings have important implications for physician retention and healthcare delivery,” said lead author Dr Amy Windover, a clinical psychologist in Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Behavioural Health and Office of Patient Experience. “They suggest that routine assessment for physician burnout by healthcare organisations is warranted to determine needs for individual and organisational support.”
Researchers at Cleveland Clinic in the US have explored the prevalence of physician burnout and found that it affects more than one-third of physicians and takes a toll on delivery of care. The team reported these findings in a research letter published in JAMA International Medicine. “These findings have important implications for physician retention and healthcare delivery,” said lead author Dr Amy Windover, a clinical psychologist in Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Behavioural Health and Office of Patient Experience. “They suggest that routine assessment for physician burnout by healthcare organisations is warranted to determine needs for individual and organisational support.”
The researchers reviewed data from a survey of 1,528 Cleveland Clinic physicians conducted in 2013 and 2014. Physicians completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory, which assesses burnout in three domains — emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and personal accomplishment — as well as overall burnout. The survey findings were analysed in conjunction with data on physician employment status, patient satisfaction and ombudsman complaints. Of the 1,145 physicians who responded (75 per cent), 399 (35 per cent) met criteria for overall burnout.
“Physicians who spend more time providing patient care end up emotionally depleted,” said Dr Windover. “This likely stems from limited time for completing the significant administrative tasks associated with patient care.” According to Dr Windover, this finding suggests that physicians who need burnout interventions aren’t likely to be identified by low patient satisfaction scores. Additional findings were that Burnout on the depersonalisation subscale was significantly associated with greater likelihood of an ombudsman complaint, but overall burnout and emotional exhaustion were not. No association was observed between burnout and productivity or patient satisfaction with inpatient or specialty care.
In response to the findings, Cleveland Clinic leaders organised departmental ‘town hall’ meetings to pinpoint specific needs and established a staff experience team to adopt programming around outreach, clinical enhancements, professionalism, wellbeing and professional growth. “This ongoing programming is designed to comprehensively support physicians, explore and share practice efficiencies, and build community in ways that reflect Cleveland Clinic’s group practice culture,” Dr Windover said.