Results from a survey on changes in burnout and satisfaction with work-life Integration in physicians during the first 2 years of the COVID-19 Pandemic has shown that burnout among physicians is at a record high of 63.% More specifically, 63% of physicians surveyed reported at least one symptom of burnout at the end of 2021 and the beginning of 2022, an increase from 44% in 2017 and 46% in 2011. Only 30% felt satisfied with their work-life balance, compared with 43% five years earlier. This is the biggest increase in emotional exhaustion anywhere in the literature.
In May, the U.S. surgeon general, Dr. Vivek Murthy, issued an advisory.. In 2019, the National Academy of Medicine (formerly, Institute of Medicine) released a 312-page report on physician burnout, “To Care is Human” in line with the 2000 report on patient safety “To Err is Human.”
Many of the solutions focus on connecting people with their most meaningful activities and showing compassion to ourselves and others. Finding the small ways to connect to your patients and to your colleagues can make the day a bit smoother and you a bit happier!