14.1 PHYSICIAN BURNOUT OVERVIEW: WHAT IS BURNOUT, AND WHAT ARE THE CONTRIBUTORS AND EFFECTS OF COVID-19?

This presentation will outline the definition of physician burnout as well as the most common contributors to burnout. The rates of burnout in psychiatry compared to other medical specialties will be explored. Additionally, the effects of the pandemic on physician burnout will be discussed. A review of data will be conducted. The audience will be engaged by utilizing polls throughout the presentation. Forty-one percent of psychiatrists rated themselves as being burned out according to a recent (2021) Medscape study. This is an increase from 35% in 2020, 39% in 2019, and 36% in 2018. The most commonly identified causes of burnout were too many bureaucratic tasks, spending too many hours at work, and lack of respect from administrators. Fifteen percent of psychiatrists in this survey reported that burnout contributed to suicidal thoughts. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated burnout issues among psychiatrists, who are often dealing with a much higher patient volume than previously. Additionally, some psychiatrists find telehealth to be less gratifying and to exacerbate frustrations with the electronic health record (EHR). Increased stressors outside of work can also add to the physician’s burnout level. Burnout is a serious and pervasive issue among psychiatrists. It is important that healthcare systems invest in the wellness of physicians. Additionally, psychiatrists need to prioritize their own mental health. Burned-out physicians report making more frequent errors, feeling more exasperated with patients, and being careless with note taking. Therefore, less burnout leads to better patient care.