Family Physician Burnout . . .

A national survey published in the Archives of Family Medicine in 2012 reported that US physicians suffer more burnout than other American workers.[1] Some 45.8% of physicians were experiencing at least 1 symptom of burnout: loss of enthusiasm for work, feelings of cynicism, and a low sense of personal accomplishment.
Medscape conducted a survey and family physicians were given the same criteria. The response was discouraging: 43% responded that they were burned out. The 2 specialties with the highest percentage of burnout were those that dealt with severely ill patients: emergency medicine and critical care. Family physicians were in third place.



What is causing the burnout? Following table lists the causes found in the study.



In the Archives article,[1] the authors sum up the very challenging problem of physician burnout: "Collectively, the findings...indicate that (1) the prevalence of burnout among US physicians is at an alarming level, (2) physicians in specialties at the front line of care access (emergency medicine, general Family Medicine, and family medicine) are at greatest risk, (3) physicians work longer hours and have greater struggles with work-life integration than other US workers, and (4) after adjusting for hours worked per week, higher levels of education and professional degrees seem to reduce the risk for burnout in fields outside of medicine, whereas a degree in medicine (MD or DO) increases the risk. These results suggest that the experience of burnout among physicians does not simply mirror larger societal trends."

What to do? The finding suggest that physicians should participate in and advocate for changes in work that give them more control over there ability to help and interact with patients. They should become involved in advocating for health reforms that will return a greater level of control to physicians and their patients. These would include payment for value and greater patient participation in decision-making about care. Reorganizing primary care practices to allow more time for complex patients and recognition by insurers that excessive hassle is bad for patients and physician are also vital. These changes should lead to more satisfied patients and physicians and less burnout,[3] .

References:
1. Shanafelt TD, Boone S, Tan L, et al. Burnout and satisfaction with work-life balance among US physician relative to the general US population. Arch Intern Med. 2012;172:1377-1385. http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1351351 Accessed February 7, 2013.
2.http://www.medscape.com/features/slideshow/lifestyle/2013/family-medicine?src=wnl_edit_specol#2
3. Centor RM, Morrow RW, Poses RM, et al. Doc burnout -- worse than other workers'. Medscape Roundtable in Primary Care. November 13, 2012. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/774013 Accessed February 20, 2013.