By AJ Suggs, Senior Vice President Marketing, Pinnacle Health Group
With physician burnout becoming an increasingly significant problem, the onus is on healthcare employers to make meaningful improvements. By adopting some of the innovative approaches we see in other industries for improving the satisfaction and productivity of staff, not only do we have some new tools under our belts, but also statistics show patient care rises as physician burnout lowers.
So what can healthcare executives learn from corporate America and professional sports when it comes to reducing levels of physician burnout, as well as improving physician recruitment and retention? Let’s find out.
The physician burnout crisis carries long-term consequences.
The facts about physician stress, depression and burnout are staggering – nearly 55 percent of physicians surveyed in 2014 by the American Medical Association and the Mayo Clinic are experiencing symptoms of burnout. And, it’s more than just not wanting to go to work or having a cynical attitude. U.S. News reports that 45 percent of primary care physicians would actually resign if they had another stable source of income. Other specialties aren’t fairing much better.
While the reasons behind physician burnout are in some cases unavoidable under the modern system of care, this doesn’t mean healthcare executives are powerless to improve the situation in their hospitals. According to the Medscape Lifestyle Report 2016, physicians reported that the top three reasons for burnout included “too many bureaucratic tasks,” spending too many hours at work” and “increased computerization of practice.”
Of course, it would be nice if EHR systems were suddenly integrated in a way that significantly improved workflows for physicians. Or if physicians could spend more time caring for patients and less time behind a computer monitor, but such progress could be years away. In the meantime, improving the balance of work and life for physicians could change the physician burnout statistics.
What’s good for the goose is good for the gander – sleep pods, massages and meditation are effective stress reducers.
Corporate America has led the pack with innovative perks to help keep employees happy, loyal and productive. Arianna Huffington, co-founder of The Huffington Post, suffered from a bout of exhaustion brought on by work stress that left her with a broken face after she fainted. The experience led her to install sleep rooms in her offices. Now part of the corporate culture, she reports that afternoon naps have led to higher levels of productivity and lower levels of stress.
Google is another company that has taken employee well being to an unprecedented level. The company offers “Googlers” free gourmet meals, massage rooms, nap pods, onsite medical care and haircuts. Also, new moms and dads are given an allowance for takeout food to help create a better work and life balance. This is especially creative, and undoubtedly, appreciated by those employees who are already struggling to get enough rest.
While some hospitals offer perks such as health club facilities, upgraded catering and some concierge services, there is always room for improvement.
Phil Jackson, arguably one of the greatest basketball coaches of all time, incorporated mindfulness meditation into his coaching. (For just a moment, close your eyes and try to picture the Chicago Bulls’ Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman quietly meditating at the United Center. Did it improve their game? I think the team’s record of world championship wins speaks for itself.)
Why did Jackson ask his team to practice mindfulness? Because he knew the team needed a high degree of mental strength to carry them through the competitiveness and public pressures of pro basketball. Study after study has proven that meditation benefits people by reducing stress and improving concentration.
Family time matters, too. While career-driven, physicians are human like the rest of us. It is often said that the best cure for burnout is more quality time with loved ones. How can healthcare organizations encourage more of it? Onsite childcare perhaps, so moms and dads can sneak a quiet moment with their little ones during the day? Monthly family pizza parties for spouses and kids to spend time with the physicians while they’re working evening shifts? The possibilities are endless.
Using Locum Tenens to fill the gap
All hospitals run lean, so offering services to physicians that take them away from patients is a very real challenge. One possible solution is to build a rotating staff of Locum Tenens providers into your workforce. Some hospitals schedule these important doctors around a calendar to provide relief for permanent physicians in every specialty. It’s much like planning for paid time off. The result is you create a culture where work and life are not only in balance, but it’s a fully supported physician entitlement.
Pinnacle Health Group is your total solutions recruiting partner. Offering permanent physician search, Locum Tenens and advanced practice providers, we’re committed to meeting your staffing needs. Call 800-492-7771 to learn more.