Factors Related to Physician Burnout and Its Consequences: A Review

Abstract

Physician burnout is a universal dilemma that is seen in healthcare professionals, particularly physicians, and is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a feeling of low personal accomplishment. In this review, we discuss the contributing factors leading to physician burnout and its consequences for the physician’s health, patient outcomes, and the healthcare system. Physicians face daily challenges in providing care to their patients, and burnout may be from increased stress levels in overworked physicians. Additionally, the healthcare system mandates physicians to keep a meticulous record of their physician-patient encounters along with clerical responsibilities. Physicians are not well-trained in managing clerical duties, and this might shift their focus from solely caring for their patients. This can be addressed by the systematic application of evidence-based interventions, including but not limited to group interventions, mindfulness training, assertiveness training, facilitated discussion groups, and promoting a healthy work environment.

How Essential Is to Focus on Physician's Health and Burnout in Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic?

“…Based on the research of past outbreaks of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), influenza, and H1N1, it is well established that physicians, residents, fellows, and the healthcare workers experience a varying degree of burnout. Anxiety and stress developed in the physicians during the outbreaks found to have a positive correlation with Maslach burnout inventory scores [4,5]. Other factors identified in addition to usual contributors to burnout are lack of control over procedures, infection control measures, the false notion of safety precautions, poor communication and directives, lack of preparedness and emotional support, inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE), and perceived fatality [5].…”

“…A similar pattern at varying degrees is found in the residents and fellows. The phenomena of 1 2 1 1 1 physician burnout are adequately studied and have a direct negative impact on fatigue, stress, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, substance abuse, suicides, poor patient quality care, early retirements, and unexpected resignations [4]. In addition to the known physician burnout contributors such as work factors (excessive workloads and work hours), personal characteristics (work-life imbalance, inadequate support, sleep deprivation), and organization factors (workload expectations, insufficient rewards, and interpersonal communication, negative leadership), it essential to identify and remediate outbreak specific issues to avoid the unwanted social, psychological, and economic burden [4,5].…”

COVID-19 and telemedicine: Immediate action required for maintaining healthcare providers well-being

“…Unfortunately, in Iran, at least 40 healthcare workers have died due to COVID-19 infection and dozens have reportedly been put under observation after experiencing signs and symptoms of COVID-19 infection. Physicians' burnout and shortage of health care workforce has a serious consequences for patients and could cause medical system on the verge of a devastating collapse [3].…”

Mitigating the Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on Healthcare Workers: A Digital Learning Package

“…The psychological impacts on employees have negative consequences for organisations. The extreme pressures experienced by healthcare workers during a pandemic may increase their risk of burnout, which has adverse outcomes not only for individual wellbeing, but also for patient care and the healthcare system [11]. During the SARS outbreak, emotions experienced by healthcare workers were associated with resignations and poor work performance [12].…”