Burnout is causing clinicians to say goodbye to healthcare
Burnout is having a devastating impact on clinicians, with more than half of U.S. doctors saying they know a colleague who has left clinical care. In addition, nearly one-third have said they have considered leaving their clinical care profession as well.
The data, which comes from US Physician Feelings on Burnout 2022 Report published by InCrowd, underscores the rising impact of burnout on healthcare staff. In late 2022, 30% of U.S. physicians said they feel burned out, compared to 23% the year before. Another 30% said they have thought about leaving clinical care in 2022, compared to 20% in 2021. The increases also coincide with a worsening view of public health, and only 6% of U.S. doctors said they feel optimistic about the state of public health in 2022, compared to 17% in 2021.
InCrowd has tracked metrics related to physician burnout since 2016 through its survey platform. The latest findings highlight the worsening crisis of burnout among U.S. clinicians, who have frequently cited the COVID-19 pandemic as a major impact.
“It’s alarming to learn how few physicians feel empowered and optimistic about clinical care. During such times—with widespread illness and staffing shortages—it’s so important to retain critical capacity,” Daniel S. Fitzgerald, CEO and president of Apollo Intelligence, which owns InCrowd, said in a statement. “The data show that doctors are faring much worse than a year ago, both personally and professionally. We hope that by sharing the voice of clinicians, healthcare leaders use this call to action to consider remedies for burnout and support our HCPs, who are the foundation of our public health system.”
Across many metrics, clinicians are showing worsening sentiments and symptoms of burnout. Survey respondents also were queried about pressures in the workplace and sentiments about their work, with 70% saying they feel frustrated by the pressure on healthcare professionals (HCPs) in today’s world. That’s a huge increase from the 47% who said the same in 2021. Additionally, only 30% said they find their work rewarding, down from 45% in 2021. Just 25% said they feel appreciated for their work in 2022, compared to 39% in 2021.
Mental health is another worrisome area among U.S. clinicians, as 32% said their mental health has suffered over the last 18 months, up slightly from 30% in 2021. Worse, only 10% said their medical facility effectively addresses staff member burnout, and 16% said their medical specialty help. Some general remarks indicated desires for the entire system to be overhauled.
The findings should illuminate the issue of mental health and burnout for healthcare employers, and there are steps for healthcare organizations to take to relieve these worsening conditions for clinicians. Increased support staff for nurses, medical assistants, and admins, reduced patient volumes and mandatory vacation time or half days are all known to have a positive impact, InCrowd noted.
Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."