Physicians’ Burnout: Can We Make a Difference?

Abstract

Introduction

Burnout is a commonly observed syndrome in healthcare workers and it has been defined as a psychological condition involving a continuous exposure to stressful work events leading to adverse consequences both in physical and mental health. Persistent pressure can lead to exhaustion, psychological and/or physical distress and may increase the risk of medical errors and decrease job satisfaction, which incites early retirement.

Objective

The authors pretend to make a brief review regarding Physicians’ burnout, its prevention and management.

Aims

To understand and to be capable of dealing with physicians’ burnout.

Methods

The review was based in papers published on PubMed using the following terms: “burnout”, “risk factors”, “healthcare professionals” and “physicians coaching”.

Results

Twenty-five to 60% of physicians report burnout across all specialties. Changes in the healthcare environment have created marked and growing external pressures. Numerous studies suggest that the difficulty that physicians face with balancing their personal and professional lives is a major contributor to distress. To reduce stress at work, one should consider two levels of intervention: the individual and the environmental. Multidisciplinary actions that include changes in the work environmental factors along with stress management programs that teach people how to cope better with stressful events showed promising solutions to manage burnout.

Discussions/conclusions

Burnout among physicians is a common and serious issue with potentially devastating personal and professional consequences. More interventional research is needed in order to improve psychological well-being, professional career enjoyment as well as the quality of care provided to patients.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.