You don’t have to be a brain surgeon to know that being a medical doctor comes with some level of stress. But that stress is leading to burnout in a significant number of doctors, and it’s something we should all be concerned about. This blog explores the causes of physician burnout, its impact on patient care, and the steps that healthcare facilities and physicians can take to address and prevent physician burnout.
Physician burnout is a growing concern in the medical field. In an increasingly complex healthcare system, many doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals are grappling with high levels of stress, emotional exhaustion, and physical fatigue. For many physicians, the demands of modern medicine, administrative burdens, and the pressure to deliver high-quality patient care all contribute to burnout.
Understanding Physician Burnout
Physician burnout is more than just being tired or overwhelmed after a long day. It’s a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by chronic workplace stress, which can have devastating effects on a physician’s health, job satisfaction, and ability to provide care.
According to a 2023 Medscape Physician Burnout and Depression Report, nearly 53% of physicians in the U.S. report experiencing burnout–a marked increase from 42% just five years ago and before COVID-19 changed everything. The report was based on a survey taken by more than 9,100 physicians across 29 specialties.
Five years ago, 15% of those surveyed said they were experiencing depression. In 2023, 23% reported depression.Not surprisingly, those in emergency medicine topped the list of those feeling the most burned out at 65% while those in public health and preventative medicine stood at 37%. More than half of the specialties on the list stood at 50% or higher.
Their research shows more than 60% of the respondents have had these feelings for more than a year and women reported burnout at a much higher rate than men: 63% to 46%. From the report:
“Studies have shown a clear link between microaggressions — either race- or gender-based — and an increased risk of workplace distress,” says Wendy Dean, MD, co-founder of Fixmoralinjury.org. “Whether it’s emotional exhaustion (burnout) from constantly having to defend their authority; being overlooked for leadership opportunities; having different expectations of behavior; being interrupted or talked over in meetings; or as betrayal (moral injury) by an organization failing to uphold stated codes of conduct, women’s relative disempowerment to men puts them at higher risk of distress.”
The job satisfaction of physicians has also been on a steady decline due to the increasing demands of their roles. Electronic health records (EHR), lack of respect, long hours, financial pressures, and an overwhelming administrative burden have added layers of stress to their daily routines. These factors erode the sense of fulfillment that comes from practicing medicine and contributing to patient well-being.
Why Physicians Develop Burnout
The causes of physician burnout are complex and multifaceted, with numerous factors playing a role. One of the primary contributors is the relentless workload that physicians work under. The long hours, the emotional toll of caring for patients, and the pressure to meet performance benchmarks all add up.
According to research, a significant source of stress for physicians is the expectation to be constantly available. This often leads to poor work-life balance, with physicians sacrificing personal time for professional obligations.
Another major factor is the overwhelming administrative burden associated with modern healthcare. With the rise of electronic health records (EHRs), physicians spend a large portion of their day on data entry and navigating complex systems rather than providing direct patient care. According to a JAMA Internal Medicine Report, physicians spend just under 10 hours a week working on EHR documentation.
While EHRs were designed to improve efficiency and streamline care, they have often become a source of frustration for physicians. Many find themselves spending hours after their shifts entering data into the system, contributing to mental exhaustion and decreased job satisfaction.
Physician Burnout Causes: Finances
Financial pressures also play a role. Physicians are increasingly required to balance the rising costs of running a medical practice with the need to provide high-quality patient care. Many physicians leave medical school residency with significant debt, and the added financial stress can exacerbate feelings of burnout. The highest percentage of respondents say that increased compensation and a more manageable work schedule would help alleviate their burnout.
Moreover, the healthcare system itself is a contributing factor. Doctors must navigate a complex and often disjointed health care system, where insurance companies, regulatory bodies, and various other stakeholders add layers of complexity to providing care. These systemic pressures can make it difficult for physicians to focus on what they are trained to do: deliver medical care.
Physical and emotional exhaustion is also a key driver of burnout. The demanding nature of the job often leaves physicians with little time for stress management or self-care. Over time, this can take a toll on both their physical and mental health, leading to chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression, and even thoughts of suicide.
Experts say it’s important not to place the blame for burnout and depression on physicians; if the work environment is harmful or creates unrealistic pressures, it’s not physicians’ fault for becoming overwhelmed. Still, some physicians think their own traits exacerbate the situation:
“My perfectionism leads to way more charting time after office hours, contributing to a worse work-life balance.”
“I’m prone to worry and fret about worst-case scenarios.”
“I am an empath and ‘anal,’ for lack of a better word. I feel everything, which drains my energy. I am going to dot every ‘I’ and cross every ‘T’ when it comes to my patients.” – 2023 Medscape Physician Burnout and Depression Report
How Burnout Affects Patient Care
Burnout doesn’t just affect physicians personally—it can have profound effects on the medical care they provide to patients. When a physician is emotionally and physically exhausted, their ability to deliver high-quality patient care is compromised. Burnout can lead to increased medical errors, poor communication, and a reduced ability to empathize with patients, all of which can have a detrimental impact on patient outcomes.
Physicians suffering from burnout often struggle to concentrate, make decisions, and communicate effectively with their patients. This can lead to delays in treatment, misdiagnoses, or inappropriate treatment plans. Physicians who report experiencing burnout are twice as likely to make significant medical errors as those who do not.
The study states: “About half of depressed physicians said they are able to put their depression on the back burner when treating patients. Yet, some admitted that they’re functioning at less than 100% and may make errors or show exasperation toward patients.”
The stressful job of a physician requires them to make critical decisions on a daily basis, often under immense pressure. When burnout sets in, these decisions can become rushed or clouded by fatigue and emotional exhaustion. As a result, patients may not receive the level of care they deserve, which can lead to worse health outcomes.
Another way that burnout affects patient care is through its impact on physician-patient relationships. Burned-out physicians may become disengaged from their patients, leading to poor communication and a lack of empathy. Patients often report feeling unheard or misunderstood, which can erode the trust that is crucial for effective healthcare.
Moreover, physicians experiencing burnout are more likely to reduce their work hours or leave the profession entirely, which can cause even more healthcare shortages and reduce access to care for patients. In fact, many physicians considering early retirement cite burnout as a primary reason.
Addressing Symptoms of Burnout
Addressing physician burnout is critical, not only for the well-being of physicians but also for the quality of care that patients receive. There are several strategies that physicians and healthcare organizations can implement to reduce burnout and its associated effects.
One of the most important steps in addressing burnout is promoting work-life balance. Physicians need time to recharge and engage in activities that bring them joy outside of work. Encouraging physicians to take regular breaks, use their vacation time, and limit their work hours can help reduce the risk of burnout.
Additionally, healthcare organizations should implement policies that support a healthier balance between work and personal life. The study said almost ⅔ of the doctors surveyed said work was impacting their relationships. From the report:
“Survival mode blocks your ability to connect with people in any setting — at work and at home,” said Dike Drummond, MD, CEO at TheHappyMD.com. “It becomes difficult to enjoy your patients, your team, your family members, even time alone with yourself. Colleagues and family members can see burnout well before you do. They don’t understand our ‘never show weakness’ programming that refuses to admit struggle and ask for support. Most doctors don’t ask for help until they are at the point of collapse. It does not have to be this way.”
Another important strategy is to reduce the administrative burden placed on physicians. This could involve hiring additional administrative staff to assist with data entry and paperwork, as well as improving the functionality of electronic health records (EHRs) to make them more user-friendly and less time-consuming.
Coping With Physician Burnout Causes
Stress management techniques can also play a crucial role in addressing burnout. Physicians should be encouraged to participate in mindfulness practices, exercise regularly, and seek support when needed. Many healthcare organizations are now offering wellness programs designed to help physicians manage stress and maintain their mental and physical health.
Physicians mostly chose positive coping mechanisms, such as exercise and talking with friends, although a smaller percentage ate junk food, drank alcohol, and engaged in binge-eating. Some doctors may use a combination of tactics at different times. (Note: Respondents could choose multiple answers.)
Other coping tactics mentioned: Read books unrelated to medicine; pray; hunt and fish; take a crafting class; binge on Netflix; play video games; internet shopping and surfing; ride my motorcycle; play with my dog; see a therapist.” – 2023 Medscape Physician Burnout and Depression Report
Additionally, physicians need to feel that they can voice their concerns and seek help without fear of judgment or repercussions. By fostering a culture of open communication and support, healthcare organizations can help reduce the stigma associated with burnout and ensure that physicians receive the help they need.
Finally, it’s important for healthcare organizations to recognize the early signs of burnout and intervene before it becomes a serious issue. This can involve regular check-ins with physicians to assess their mental and physical well-being, as well as providing access to mental health resources when needed.
FAQs About Physician Burnout Causes
What is physician burnout?
Physician burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by chronic workplace stress. It affects a physician’s ability to provide high-quality care and can lead to depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts.
What causes physician burnout?
Burnout is often caused by long work hours, administrative burdens like electronic health records, financial pressures, and a lack of work-life balance. Emotional and physical exhaustion also contribute to burnout.
How common is physician burnout?
According to a Medscape Physician Lifestyle Burnout & Depression Report, nearly 52% of U.S. physicians report experiencing burnout, with specialties like emergency medicine and internal medicine seeing the highest rates.
How does burnout affect patient care?
Burnout can lead to increased medical errors, poor communication, and a lack of empathy, all of which can negatively impact patient outcomes. Burned-out physicians are also more likely to reduce their work hours or leave the profession.
What are the signs of physician burnout?
Common signs include emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, a reduced sense of accomplishment, and physical fatigue. Physicians may also experience feelings of cynicism or detachment from their work.
How can physicians prevent burnout?
Strategies for preventing burnout include promoting work-life balance, reducing administrative burden, practicing stress management techniques, and seeking support from colleagues and mental health professionals.
What is the role of electronic health records (EHRs) in burnout?
While EHRs were designed to improve efficiency, they often contribute to burnout due to the time-consuming nature of data entry and system navigation. Many physicians report frustration with EHRs as a significant source of stress.
How can healthcare organizations help reduce physician burnout?
Organizations can support physicians by reducing administrative tasks, improving EHR systems, fostering a supportive work environment, and providing access to wellness programs and mental health resources.
At MBA Medical Billing Services, we understand the immense pressure that physicians face every day. Our team is here to lighten the load with practice management. By outsourcing these tasks to us, your physicians can focus on what they do best—providing high-quality patient care.
Let us help your practice improve efficiency, reduce burnout, and boost job satisfaction for your entire team. Contact MBA Medical Billing Services today to learn more about how we can support your practice and your physicians.