Physician burnout rises in 2022 amidst lack of faith in US public health system

U.S. physicians experienced more burnout and work-related stress in 2022 than in 2021, according to a recent survey.

The InCrowd U.S. Physician Feelings on Burnout 2022 Report collected survey responses from 500 physicians between Nov. 18, 2022, and Dec. 7, 2022.

According to a press release from InCrowd, 30% of physicians reported feeling burned out in 2022, which increased from 23% in 2021. In addition, the release said that 55% of physicians knew a colleague who had left clinical care in 2022, compared with 41% in 2021. There was also a 10% increase in the number of surveyed physicians who considered leaving their profession themselves.

Another prevailing theme was a general lack of faith in the state of U.S. public health. According to the release, just 6% of surveyed physicians reported feeling optimistic about the U.S. public health system. One anonymous cardiologist from Georgia said that “the whole system needs to be overhauled.”

Decreased mental health, inadequate staffing, pressure on health care professionals and a lack of appreciation were also key determinants of physician burnout, according to the release.

“It’s alarming to learn how few physicians feel empowered and optimistic about clinical care. During such times — with widespread illness and staffing shortages — it’s so

important to retain critical capacity,” Daniel S. Fitzgerald, CEO and president of Apollo Intelligence, parent company of InCrowd, said in the release. “The data show that doctors are faring much worse than a year ago, both personally and professionally. We hope that by sharing the voice of clinicians, health care leaders use this call to action to consider remedies for burnout and support our [health care providers], who are the foundation of our public health system.”