While more than half of physicians say they feel burned out, a new study reveals that early-career pediatricians may be especially at risk.
Thirty percent of 840 pediatricians who were in the first decade of their careers (graduating from residency between 2002 and 2004)) reported feeling burned out and 43 percent said they didn't have a satisfying work-life balance. The study findings were published online in Pediatrics.
Researchers asked pediatricians about work-life balance, burnout, and career and life satisfaction. Eighty-three percent reported they were happy with their careers. But researchers found that those who were most satisfied also reported excellent or very good health, support from physician colleagues and adequate resources for patient care.
Those who work in a chaotic environment were five times more likely to feel burned out. And pediatricians who said they didn't get enough sleep or felt sad or depressed were less satisfied with life, according to a Medscape report on the study findings.
"Burnout and struggles with work-life balance are common; dissatisfaction with life and career are a concern for some early career pediatricians," the authors concluded. "Efforts to minimize these outcomes should focus on encouragement of modifiable factors, including health supervision, peer support and ensuring sufficient patient care resources."
Practices must take steps to help prevent their physicians from burnout. Statistics show that burned out physicians are more likely to make mistakes and be less empathetic, FiercePracticeManagement previously reported.
One model that has shown some early success at preventing burnout is through a Mayo Clinic program that focuses on physician collaboration and camaraderie. The program offers physicians choice and flexibility, as well as opportunities to socialize with colleagues.
Stanford University is addressing the issue by providing physicians with opportunities to discuss challenges they face. The organization offers doctors a safe space to talk about their problems and opportunities for role play. In addition, the university offers a writers group where clinicians can share their work and emotions.
To learn more:
- here's the study abstract
- read the Medscape piece