Stress, fatigue and burnout high among physicians
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Physicians experience a high amount of stress, fatigue and burnout that affects not only their personal well-being but also health care delivery and patient outcomes, according to a speaker.
“Almost 25% of physicians have reported having clinical diagnosed depression. Almost 10% of physicians have reported having suicidal ideations,” Nader Moinfar, MD, MPH, said at the American Society of Retina Specialists annual meeting.
Physicians’ mental health challenges have multiplied in recent years, Moinfar said, partly because they face a disproportionate high demand, with about 2.5 physicians to every 1,000 people. This shortage is expected to increase by almost six times in the next 15 years. There is also a lack of institutional support, he said.
“Almost 50% of physicians feel hesitant to reach out for help, primarily due to being health care providers and being stigmatized,” he said.
Medical education and residency programs may not offer resources to alleviate mental health challenges. At the early stages of their training, half of medical students experience burnout, and 10% have suicidal thoughts. When wellness programs are in place, however, participation is reported to be low.
“Physical exhaustion, burnout and overworking contribute to an increase in potential medical errors,” Moinfar said. “Nearly a quarter of a million deaths are attributable to medical errors.”
Surgeons experiencing high stress levels are also prone to decision fatigue, which can cause poor surgical choices ranging from being overcautious to taking unnecessary risks. Physiological responses such as hand tremors can increase errors in fine motor tasks by up to 25%, while compromised memory and attention are associated with a 30% increase. Chronic stress in surgeons is also associated with a 15% increase in postoperative infection rates and a 10% increase in patient mortality rates, Moinfar said.
“Ensuring physician mental health is not just a matter of individual well-being, but it’s crucial to health care and patient outcomes as well. It’s imperative to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and provide resources and support to ensure the well-being of physicians and other health care workers,” he said.
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Moinfar N. Impact of stress on surgical decisions and performance. Presented at: American Society of Retina Specialists annual meeting; July 17-20, 2024; Stockholm.
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