The Business Case for Investing in Physician Well-being

Burnout in pediatric hematology/oncology—time to address the elephant by name

“…Physician burnout has been linked to physician turnover, increased sick days, and reductions in work effort, which inevitably result in significant costs for health care systems . While historical studies suggest that the cost to replace a physician is 2–3 times the annual salary, current estimates run as high as $500,000 to $1,000,000 . In an effort to quantify the cost of decreased productivity due to physician burnout and discontent, a 2016 study showed that each 1‐point increase on a 7‐point scale for emotional exhaustion and each 1‐point decrease on a 5‐point satisfaction scale resulted in a statistically significant reduction in work effort .…”

“…22,23 While historical studies suggest that the cost to replace a physician is 2-3 times the annual salary, current estimates run as high as $500,000 to $1,000,000. [24][25][26][27][28] In an effort to quantify the cost of decreased productivity due to physician burnout and discontent, a 2016 study showed that each 1-point increase on a 7-point scale for emotional exhaustion and each 1-point decrease on a 5-point satisfaction scale resulted in a statistically significant reduction in work effort. 29 Burned out physicians are also more likely to desire reduced patient-care time, order more procedures/tests, and be more interested in early retirement.…”

Wellness, resilience and performance: Translating ideas into action

“…FACEMs may not be compelled by wellness programmes or campaigns in their own right – but the potential to enhance technical skills (focus, attention and performance) as well as non‐technical skills (communication, teamwork and leadership) adds impetus to such programmes . Further moral, ethical, economic and financial arguments have been made to help overcome organisational barriers to wellness …”

“…Apart from the direct health benefits to themselves, physicians who undertake preventative health strategies are more likely to recommend these to their patients, and moreover, their patients are more likely to take this advice . There are also significant financial costs associated with burnout, including reduced productivity, staff turnover and increased community risk from lower quality patient care and patient safety …”

“…2,3 There are also significant financial costs associated with burnout, including reduced productivity, staff turnover and increased community risk from lower quality patient care and patient safety. 4 Although there is plentiful literature that defines and describes the factors that contribute to psychological and physical unwellness in Emergency Medicine (EM) healthcare workers, 5 less is understood about the factors that contribute to the enhancement or restoration of wellness. Furthermore, there exists a tension between which of these factors are determined by the individual versus the responsibility that can be expected to be taken by organisations.…”