Addressing the growing problem of physician stress and burnout

Although burnout and stress are well-documented phenomena in healthcare, few interventions have been rigorously tested. Most of the literature relates to individual interventions focused on stress reduction. A wealth of self-help books, courses, and counselors are available to help individuals cope with the drivers of burnout in their lives.

What can healthcare organizations do to help address physician stress and burnout? Many utilize physician health or wellness committees to educate physicians on burnout and bring the matter of physician stress out of the closet. Educational programs can help physicians identify when stress in themselves or colleagues has reached a critical point and is impacting personal health and patient safety. These committees can arrange for confidential referrals to counselors or stress reduction programs. In more severe cases, physicians may need to consider cognitive behavioral training or other psychological interventions. On occasion, this therapy may include the appropriate use of selected medication. Some clinicians have also benefited from hypnosis/biofeedback as stress reduction techniques.

Source: Managing Problem Practitioners