More Doctors Experience Burnout, Depression

By Jonathan Springston, Associate Managing Editor, AHC Media

New research suggests more U.S. doctors are experiencing burnout and depression at a greater rate than just three years ago.

The Mayo Clinic and the American Medical Association compared data researchers gathered in 2011 and again in 2014 – and the results are troubling. Based on a sample of more than 6,800 physicians across the United States, 54 percent reported at least one sign of burnout, up from 45 percent in 2011, with the highest rates among these in general internal medicine, family medicine, and emergency medicine. Another recent study found a prevalence of depression among residents.

In the 2015 Salary Survey published with the January issue of ED Management, respondents noted even with a shortage of emergency physicians, hospitals increasingly expect more from emergency directors and leaders, which could lead to longer hours and more stress.

Researchers from the Mayo Clinic say to reverse this trend, healthcare organizations must improve the efficiency of the practice environment, reduce clerical burdens, and provide greater flexibility and control over work. They also call for research to provide “evidence-based interventions” addressing burnout, including improving efficiency, seek changes to factors in the practice or work environment, and warn that offering self-help solutions is no longer enough.

To learn more about identifying and addressing burnout, be sure to check out this AHC Media on-demand webinar.