Stress Management in Physicians: Wellness Lifestyles for High Performing Professionals

What is the problem?

It is estimated that 30-40% of physicians are experiencing symptoms of physical and/or emotional burnout contributing to decreased job satisfaction, overall quality of life, and even suicide.  Burnout can also reduce the quality of care physicians can provide to patients. The prevalence and experience of burnout can vary based on age, gender, and race/ethnicity. On top of the growing pressures and complexities of day-to-day health care delivery, the COVID pandemic has added an increased level of stress that threatens the health and livelihood of health care providers. Gaining a better understanding of the physician’s perspective, addressing barriers that impede action, and providing resource support to enhance physician resilience is the key to success. It is important to provide appropriate services and support to help them succeed in today’s high-pressure medical environment.

 Learning Objectives

• Describe the prevalence, features, and risk factors for physician burnout and factors that may promote resilience and wellness.
• Explain both individual and organizational approaches that can promote wellness, reduce burnout, and minimize the impact of burnout on the quality of care for patients.
• Identify cultural factors that may affect risk factors for physician burnout and could affect the acceptability of various resources and interventions designed to promote resilience.

How do we know this is a problem?

1.   Garcia LC, Shanafelt TD, West CP, Sinsky CA, Trockel MT, Nedelec L, Maldonado YA, Tutty M, Dyrbye LN, Fassiotto M. Burnout, Depression, Career Satisfaction, and Work-Life Integration by Physician Race/Ethnicity. JAMA Netw Open. 2020 Aug 3;3{8):e2012762.

2.   Shapiro DE, Duquette C, Abbott LM, Babineau T, Pearl A, Haidet P. Beyond Burnout: A Physician Wellness Hierarchy Designed to Prioritize Interventions at the Systems Level. Am J Med. 2019 May;132(5):556-563.

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