More must be done to protect doctors from burnout, US researchers say

Abstract

Health service leaders must do more to keep doctors “happy, energised, and healthy” and help them perform well and avoid burnout, say US researchers. The researchers, led by Michael Privitera at the University of Rochester Medical Center, have issued a “call to action” on the issue. They warned that rising levels of stress among doctors were endangering patients and staff and damaging performance, work relationships, and career choices. Uncoordinated health reforms and conflicting mandates from regulators, insurers, and state and federal agencies were also adding to pressure on providers and individuals, the researchers said. Their study, reported in the Journal of Hospital Administration ,1 found high levels of physician burnout and occupational stress. “Physician …