by Cori Ritchey

Most doctors feel that the health of their patients relies solely on them. When the patient struggles to recover and treatment options are not working, doctors can experience much anguish feeling that they are responsible. This is a heavy burden to bear.

There is a medical crisis in the country right now. You may have heard about it. It is known as physician burnout, and the impact on patients is great. Due to stress, doctors are more prone to making medical mistakes and inaccurate diagnoses. The mental and physical exhaustion caused by these overwhelming environments can have an adverse effect on patient care. Doctors with clouded minds are more likely to make mistakes which can hold hefty ramifications. At the same time, some doctors are simply deciding to retire early and leave medicine altogether.

What is Physician Burnout?

Physician burnout is defined as a physical and mental exhaustion that transpires from constant presence of stress. Elements of burnout include insomnia, depersonalization, and depleting self esteem. These symptoms often link to cases of depression and anxiety.

When help is not sought, the stress becomes too much for many doctors. Physicians have the highest rate of suicide of any profession. According to the National Library of Medicine, male doctors experience suicide rates as much as 40% higher than the general population. In female doctors, an astounding 130% higher rate.

These numbers speak for themselves, and will not be getting better any time soon given the current pandemic-ailing the world. Overcrowded emergency rooms, the high demand and low supply of ventilators, and a scarcity of personal protective equipment are all medical nightmares that have plastered the nightly news since March of 2020.

It is easy to see how doctors feel overwhelmed given the nature of their job. Many of the causes, however, are systemic and less noticed by the general public.

The ever-changing healthcare system pressures doctors into a strict patient schedule, often not allowing them ample time to evaluate, treat, and follow up with their patients. In a study done by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, called Minimizing Error, Maximizing Outcome, more than half of physicians polled reported experiencing time pressures when conducting physical examinations. The pressure to see a certain amount of patients in one day can overwhelm physicians. This time crunch causes doctors to feel a lack of autonomy - knowing they are trained to help people, but understanding that they have no power to demand the time and resources needed to do so properly. Some say it is the fault of the healthcare systems who employ the doctors, where how many patients are seen in a day is more important than quality of care.

Along with the time pressure to see a steady load of patients comes the congruent pressure to write adequate patient notes. The introduction of the electronic patient record since 1972 has actually lengthened the already tedious process. In fact, specialty doctors who spend more time on average documenting have a higher rate of burnout. For example, an emergency room doctor is more likely to feel burnout than a brain surgeon. Modern developments come often, constantly changing the patient note process. Doctors do not have the time to normalize their patient note routine before another advancement comes along and another step is added to the process.

The same holds true when considering the role of changes in medical technology. While most innovations are ultimately good, they take time and training in order to learn how to use the new device or software package. With new processes, medical tools, medications, and treatments rolling out on a consistent basis, doctors are constantly in the classroom along with their full time jobs.

So, as patients, what can we do?

The first, and arguably most important piece, you have already done by getting the bottom of this article. Awareness is the first step to advocacy. Patients must first understand the adversity doctors encounter to be able to provide sympathy and support.

The second step is actually more beneficial to the patient than to the doctor. Set yourself up for health. Educate on how to take care of your body and mind. Exercise, nutrition, and wellness set us up for success. The healthier our daily acts, the stronger our body can fight against ailments awaiting us in the future. The biggest assistance we can give those who care for us is to care for ourselves.

Healthy habits, however, can’t always save us. When you do have to go to see your doctor, be kind. Patience is a virtue - be polite when your primary care physician might be running late for your appointment. You may be their 12th patient that’s been squeezed into their schedule. More often than not, doctors do not have control over their workload. Do not take it personally if they seem short with you, they are just trying to work efficiently.

Before you arrive at your appointment, make a list of your concerns and questions to allow your doctors to work as efficiently as possible. Forgetting something and having to call back later for clarification adds to their workload. Do your best to come prepared.

Social support is the biggest driver in helping our doctors. Take care of your friends and family in the medical field. Check up on them - they’re used to doing the checking up on, and thus are less likely to ask for help.

And always remember - physicians are human too. When you visit your doctor, ask how they are doing and thank your doctor at the end of your appointment. Let them know how much you appreciate their work. They have dedicated their life to keeping you healthy. We, as patients, can make a big difference to help our healthcare providers remain motivated to stay in medicine by letting them know we care.