Led by researchers from the Mayo Clinic and the American Medical Association, the study asked participating physicians to fill out a questionnaire asking about their feelings of burnout -- including "emotional exhaustion" or losing enthusiasm for their work; feelings of cynicism or "depersonalization"; and a low sense of personal accomplishment. The 22-item questionnaire, called the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), is considered the gold standard for measuring burnout; the doctors also completed a shorter, modified version of the MBI, the answers to which researchers used to compare with the general population. Researchers also asked doctors how long they worked each week, how satisfied they were with their work-life balance, and whether they had any symptoms of depression or thoughts of suicide.
The data showed that rates of burnout were high: 45.8 percent of doctors experienced at least one symptom of work-related burnout. "Our finding is concerning given the extensive literature linking burnout to medical errors and lower quality of care," says study author Dr. Tait Shanafelt of the Mayo Clinic. "Most previous studies of physicians from individual specialties have suggested a burnout rate of 30 percent to 40 percent. Thus, the prevalence of burnout among physicians appears to be higher than in the past." In addition, while higher levels of education were associated with less risk of burnout for people in other professions, doctors' advanced degrees didn't afford them the same protection from job-related stress. "While individuals in other professions do experience burnout, it seems to be largely driven by the hours," says Shanafelt. "In addition to their high work hours, there appears to be factors related to the nature of the work that increase the risk for physicians." "Unfortunately, little evidence exists about how to address this problem," the authors write, urging additional research to figure out what can be done to support doctors at the individual, organizational and societal level. "Policy makers and health care organizations must address the problem of physician burnout for the sake of physicians and their patients." Full story can be found here.
| Commentary |
CMDA Member and Chair of Women in Medicine & Denistry, Leslie Walker, MD: "This important but distressing study on burnout shows the first large sample of U.S. physicians across specialties compared to the general population. The results of the study show that levels of depression (on a two-question online screen) and suicidal ideation were similar to the general population, but that rates of burnout were significantly higher among physicians. "Burnout or depression can occur when we have limited autonomy but high levels of responsibility, especially in unpredictable and punitive systems. Medical internship is one of the best examples, and previous studies linked medical errors by residents to high levels of burnout and depression. In the past, doctors expected more autonomy after residency, along with increasing levels of responsibility, respect from patients and more control over schedules to balance work and personal activities, all of which reduce the risk of burnout. But that’s not necessarily the case today."'Treatment' for burnout typically involves taking a break, contemplating one's goals and considering whether the schedule or the type of work should be changed. While I do see physicians who take the time to do this, most burned-out doctors just keep working. The authors suggest reducing burnout may require changing the entire U.S. medical system. However, current suggestions for change are likely to increase burnout. Successful practice is increasingly based not on clinical expertise but on 'outcomes' that have less to do with a doctor's skills and more to do with monitored data in computers.
"Vibrant faith in Christ does not universally prevent burnout, but it does remind us that our identity and worth as God's children have nothing to do with how well we've met a series of benchmarks. As Christians, we gain strength from the body of Christ. If you dread going to work or see patients as just a means to a paycheck, take a break to engage with one of CMDA’s resources such as the Completing Your Call program or Grasping Power through Surrender retreats for women physicians and dentists. Join a local CMDA group where you can pray with like-minded colleagues and consider what changes might help you find joy again in the work God called you to do. This community is one of the best weapons against burnout. It serves as a reminder that you are not alone."
Completing Your Call Symposium
CMDA's Resident Community
Standards4Life: Faith and Health
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