Physician Burnout and Stress Now Reaching Critical Levels
Grapevine Discovery, Inc. 11101 E Bajada Drive Scottsdale, Arizona 85262
For Immediate Release March 26, 2007
Contact: Fred Corbus (480) 585-4694 / 800-890-3141
Recent studies show that physician stress increased dramatically over the past twenty
years and now substantially affects the cost and quality of patient care.
Physician stress increased dramatically over
the past twenty years. In spite of achieving career and financial success, today’s
physicians are stressed and overworked, often losing sight of their career goals
and personal ambitions. The resulting frustration, anger, restlessness, and exhaustion
are known as physician burnout and adversely affect the quality and costs of patient
care.
“There is a growing body of scientific evidence that leading a balanced, integrated
life is integral to preventing physician burnout. Furthermore, evidence also indicates
that physician satisfaction is a significant contributor to patient satisfaction.”
said Howard Silverman MD MS.
Survey results suggest that levels of professional
dissatisfaction among physicians have doubled in only a few decades. In 1973, less
than 15 percent of several thousand practicing physicians reported any doubts that
they had made the correct career choice. In contrast, surveys administered within
the past 10 years have shown that 30 to 40 percent of practicing physicians would
not choose to enter the medical profession if they were deciding on a career again,
and an even higher percentage would not encourage their children to pursue a medical
career.
Other studies have found that a physician’s self-reported satisfaction was
strongly linked to patient satisfaction. Patients of physicians who rated themselves
as being very or extremely satisfied with their work were found to be more satisfied
with their care. Similar studies have found that patients of physicians who rated
themselves as having high job satisfaction had greater levels of trust and confidence
in their physicians.
In a recent study conducted by The Center for Health Futures
in Orlando, Florida (Physician to Physician Satisfaction Study), the authors conclude
that “variables related to physician satisfaction with their personal lives predicted
levels of stress well beyond that accounted for by personal, demographic and work-related
characteristics.”
“I’m glad to see that there is increasing attention being given
to this important issue by professional organizations such as the American Academy
of Family Physicians who have invited me to speak on the subject at their upcoming
“Women's Health and Physician Wellness” conference in April.” said Dr. Silverman.
About Howard Silverman MD MS
Dr. Howard Silverman is a Clinical Professor of Family
and Community Medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine and Clinical
Professor of Biomedical Informatics at Arizona State University. He is one of the
founders of Grapevine Discovery, Inc. a company that developed the Grapevine Process®
to assist physicians in developing a plan for achieving their own definition of
a balanced, satisfying and fulfilling life. The CME certified program draws on the
founders’ skills in retreat and community interaction, adding emerging online distance
education delivery systems. The distance education model coupled with retreats provides
a realistic offering for clinicians who too often have sparring needs – overscheduled
clinic days, administrative projects, family needs, and community obligations. For
more information visit http://www.grapevinediscovery.com.
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