I read an interesting Op-Ed today, a response to the most recent publication of Annals of Internal Medicine on the importance of recognizing the growing incidences of physician burnout and the importance of developing programs that support the health and wellness of our physicians.
The author stated that:
“we need to affirm that physician burnout negatively affects health care affordability, to emphasize the very real nonfinancial costs associated with physician burnout, and to offer my organization’s observations regarding the value of an integrated health care model and its effect on physician wellness. “ -Source: Annals of Internal Medicine
This, in my opinion, is a very strong statement. I have seen this personally, not as my own experience, but have seen in physician colleagues and friends, the toll it takes of organizational inefficiencies, higher demands for metrics imposed on them (though valid, added support or assistance to navigate the requirements must be provided), and the ongoing inefficiencies of supposedly, state-of-the art electronic health records. The physical and mental stresses continue to add up and varies between specialties. Organizations (in this case, the medical schools and hospitals medical group leadership) must come together to develop sustainable programs that provide physicians the skills to be healthy themselves. It has to be a partnership.
“Of importance, we must be generous in sharing what we learn to create change in the practice environment that better supports physicians to combat the unacceptable and tragic epidemic of burnout and suicide. We must care for the caregivers if they are to care for others. The benefits will be immeasurable—for all of us.” – Source: Annals of Internal Medicine
Afterall, physicians are people too. Let us all pay attention.
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