What are the Best Ways for Physicians to Avoid Fatigue and Burnout?
There has never been a more important time than now for physicians to be aware of the dangers of their workload. The National Health Care Workforce Report estimated that the number of physician employment opportunities will likely increase by almost 50% over the next 10-20 years, but those opportunities will most likely come with increased work hours and reduced vacation time. In this article, we have outlined five ways physicians can reduce their risk for different types of medical errors and causes of physician burnout as well as methods to keep themselves healthy and productive.
The National Physician Burnout Study found that there were two main predictors of physician burnout: loss of empathy and compassion for patients and colleagues, and a feeling of ineffectiveness. Physicians with high levels of burnout often feel frustrated, angry, cynical, depressed, anxious, and hopeless about their work. These feelings then lead to more chaotic lifestyles involving less exercise, poor diet habits, and more alcohol consumption.
The good news is that there is a solution. Although burnout and fatigue are two separate things, there are ways that physicians can take steps to reduce their risk for both. Chronic fatigue is a much more serious issue and should not be ignored, but Burnout usually affects physicians in their 40s or 50s and can be overcome with the right strategies.
Five Ways Physicians Can Minimize Their Risk
First, physicians can check the closely related topic of sleep deprivation to ensure they aren't suffering from sleep disorders like sleep apnea. This is one of the leading causes of fatigue.
Second, physicians should take better care of their bodies by exercising more and getting enough sleep. This is especially important about exercise as excessive exercise can increase cortisol levels, which have been shown to negatively affect certain white blood cells (WBCs).
Third, physicians should fight the chronic stress that comes with the job by appreciating what they have and disciplining themselves against being overwhelmed. They should also permit themselves to allow some things to run the way they want them to.
Fourth, physicians should have strong emotional ties with their colleagues and patients. Knowing that they are loved and appreciated by their colleagues helps them function better in tough situations and helps them feel stronger when they see families or friends struggle with the illness of a loved one.
Last, physicians should follow a healthy schedule. Some people make it work; others are too busy juggling multiple tasks that make it hard to be present in their lives. So, they either check out emotionally or don't handle challenging situations as effectively as they could. Physicians will benefit from a healthy schedule by working on their skills and techniques, so they are better able to care for their patients, and by creating an enjoyable life outside of work.
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While much of the responsibility f/alls on the individual physician, there are things that physician's practices can do to help alleviate the causes of physician burnout and fatigue.
•First, physicians should be organized and efficient. Physicians should strive to understand which tasks are most important whenever possible and set priorities accordingly. They can also benefit from the use of time management tools like calendars, planners, and reminders that make it easier to track productivity.
•Second, physicians should have a support network. The people who work closest with physicians will play an important role in identifying signs and causes of physician burnout or fatigue early on and can help keep them on track when things get tough.
•Third, physicians should be open. They should communicate regularly with their patients and colleagues and be honest when they feel overwhelmed or frustrated.
•Fourth, physicians should make time for themselves. It is important to schedule time in the day or week for things that bring them joy - a walk in the park, helping children with homework, or playing sports with friends. If these activities are not scheduled into their lives they can often fall by the wayside as tasks pile up.
Read More: The Main Reasons for Doctor Burnout and How you can get Help?
