Citation

Moukaddam N, Parks K, Le H, Khawaja L, Shah AA. Psychiatr. Ann. 2020; 50(12): 536-541.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Healio)

DOI

10.3928/00485713-20201103-02

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Burnout is a significant problem for health care professionals. Burnout, which consists of exhaustion, detachment/cynicism, and reduced sense of personal efficacy, can render the practice of medicine untenable and lead to job turnover, medical errors, and instability in the medical system. Moreover, burnout can develop into depression and lead to suicide. The burnout rate for practicing physicians in the United States was already high before the coronavirus 2019 pandemic, and the pandemic has exacerbated the factors underlying burnout by increasing isolation, workload, and uncertainty, as well as a potential clash of organizational decisions with personal safety. Achieving effective strategies to combat burnout and protecting physicians and health care workers from depression and suicide should be a priority for all systems. Early detection and referral to treatment as well as destigmatization of treatment are crucial. Additionally, expanding the conversation about the role of structural and organizational changes in promoting wellness is essential, as effective and consistent leadership can help tremendously when combined with individual efforts toward work-life balance. © SLACK Incorporated.

Language: en