Physician burnout has reached problematic levels, impacting not only physicians but patients as well. Researchers from Mayo Clinic have developed a nine-step plan for healthcare facilities to easing the burdens of physicians.

Headed by Tait Shanafelt, MD, director of Mayo Clinic's Program on physician well-being, and John Noseworthy, MD, president and CEO, Mayo Clinic, the plan focuses on reliving physician burnout. Leading to less productive, staff turnover, less quality care and an increase in malpractice suits, physician burnout is bad news for both sides of the care process.

"Research has shown that more than half of U.S. physicians are experiencing symptoms of burnout, and the rate is increasing," said Shanafelt. "Unfortunately, many organizations see burnout as a personal problem to be addressed by the individual physician. It is clear, however, that burnout is a system issue, and addressing it is the shared responsibility of both the individuals and health care organizations."

The nine-step plan includes:

1. Acknowledging the degree of the problem.
2. Identifying burnout behaviors.
3. Use a systems approach to implement interventions on burnout.
4. Reinforce the sense of community at work.
5. Use rewards and incentives as a fun way to work.
6. Ensure the organizations actions and values are aligned.
7. Instill programs that promote flexibility and maintain the work-life balance.
8. Provide self-care resources.
9. Analyze burnout causes within the organization and implement solutions.

"The reasons we need to reverse this trend in physician burnout are compelling," said Noseworthy. "Professional exhaustion and disillusionment can adversely impact clinical performance, and result in medical errors and decreased quality of care. This situation hurts patients and providers, and we need to fix it."