Primary care practitioners report burnout is at an all-time high

According to a new survey from the Larry A. Green Center and Primary Care Collaborative, many primary care practitioners are experiencing record-high burnout in the midst of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This burnout stems largely from financial pressures resulting from the pandemic.

Nearly half (44%) of respondents indicated that their burnout levels are at personal highs, with 36% stating their physical well-being and 45% stating their psychological well-being have suffered as a result. Furthermore, 65% of respondents reported that their high levels of burnout are directly impacting the well-being of their families.

In addition, 63% reported severe/near severe stress levels in the past few works. Top sources of strain included the following:

• Skipping or deferring their salaries (25%)
• Laying off or furloughing clinicians or staff (39%)
• Increasing volumes of non-face-to-face patient visits, which are at an all-time high (60%)

The data consisted of responses from 763 practicing primary care clinicians spanning 49 states and a wide range of primary care specialties and practice settings.

Source: Becker’s Hospital Review