Training that includes problem-focused strategies may help reduce nephrologist burnout
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Key takeaways:
- Nephrology as a calling is significantly related to decreased nephrologist burnout and turnover intention.
- Demographics did not play a significant factor in the level of burnout.
BALTIMORE — Problem-focused strategies in training and curriculum may help reduce nephrologist burnout, a speaker said at the Renal Physicians Association Annual Meeting.
“Burnout has profound consequences for physicians, both physically and mentally,” Suzanne Przybyla, DBA, executive director of Mid-Atlantic Nephrology Associates PA in Baltimore, said. “It adversely affects patient care. There are greater medical errors with burned out physicians, and there is certainly a cost [consideration].”
The COVID-19 pandemic put extreme stress on the U.S. health care workforce, Przybyla said. After a 6-year decline, burnout spiked during the crisis onset, and at least one in five physicians in a study said they intended to leave their current practice within 2 years.
As part of a dissertation at Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business, Przybyla surveyed 236 nephrologists of varying backgrounds on burnout and coping tools used during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, 70% of respondents were men, 21.7% were women, and 78% of the respondents were from community-based practices. The majority of respondents, 62.3%, were aged 45 to 64 years. Statistical analysis showed that demographics did not play a significant factor in the level of burnout, Przybyla added.
The effect of burnout may have a significant impact on physicians, leading them to emotional exhaustion, lack of professional fulfillment, depersonalization and turnover, which could negatively impact the care of patients with kidney disease, according to the findings.
One of three helpful coping strategies to combat burnout emphasized the reason for becoming a nephrologist. Nephrology as a calling was significantly related to decreased nephrologist burnout and decreased turnover intention during the COVID-19 pandemic, Przybyla said. The research also found that implementing problem-focused tools into training and listening to music as a coping strategy led to decreased emotional exhaustion.
“Physicians need to be armed with coping strategies as early as possible in their medical training,” according to Przybyla, which “emphasize why they are becoming a nephologist.”
References:
Przybyla S. Nephrologist burnout and coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Presented at: Renal Physicians Association Annual Meeting; April 11-14, 2024; Baltimore.
Shanafelt TD, et al. Mayo Clin Proc. 2022;doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2022.09.002.
Editor’s note: On April 29, 2024, this article was updated to clarify the age range and percentage of men and women who experienced burnout.
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Przybyla reports no relevant financial disclosures.
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