There continues to be an acknowledgment of the significant levels of burnout experienced by medical personnel. Burnout is also being cited as the primary reason for healthcare workers leaving the field.
In 2022, 40% of doctors and 49% of nurses reported they were experiencing burnout, and 32% of nurses were planning to leave their profession within the next year.
Burnout operates in a cyclical manner, leading to staffing shortages and heightened workloads for remaining employees, consequently exacerbating the problem of burnout. In fact, healthcare workforce burnout has reached a critical level, leading the World Health Organization (WHO) to include it in the International Classification of Diseases as an "occupational phenomenon" in 2019, although it is not categorized as a medical condition.
To tackle burnout effectively, we must delve into its underlying causes and collaborate to discover innovative solutions.
Understanding burnout: Healthcare staff's emotional experience
According to the American Medical Association, burnout refers to a prolonged stress response characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and diminished personal accomplishment. Furthermore, overcoming feelings of burnout is not a matter of spontaneous resolution. Frequently, burnout entails a blend of psychological and physical reactions to stressors that can hinder individuals' capacity to perform effectively, even during times of decreased stress.
The causes of burnout are diverse and may be influenced by various factors. Identifying and alleviating the factors that contribute to burnout among healthcare staff is crucial.
Synchrony’s CareCredit conducted a recent survey involving 150 decision-makers and 200 healthcare staff members to gauge ongoing sentiments of burnout and associated factors, aiding the industry's comprehension of these root causes and staffing shortages. The survey results offer insights into factors influencing burnout as well as what staff value which could be helpful in formulating strategies to improve staff retention in healthcare.
When questioned about the challenges amplifying stress in their roles, common themes surfaced among staff members and decision-makers. Staffing shortages emerged as a primary concern for both groups. Additionally, they highlighted the cumbersome documentation and regulatory hurdles that impeded their capacity to dedicate ample time to patient care. Consequently, staff members expressed concerns about compromised patient well-being due to these limitations. They felt constrained by insufficient time to assist everyone adequately or accomplish all their tasks.
The survey also revealed:
- 32% of staff members reported that they often think about quitting.
- 47% of staff members believed their facility had adequate staffing.
- 45% of decision-makers believed their facility had adequate staffing.
- Approximately 68% of staff members reported they did not feel they had a fulfilling role, but this was much lower for decision-makers (35%).
These discoveries could clarify why understaffing and the incapacity to assist all patients were significant contributors to work-related stress, indicating the impact of ongoing staffing shortages on healthcare facilities.
Resolving burnout in healthcare staff
Compensation and benefits
According to the “2023 CareCredit Staff Burnout Survey,” one of the most valued aspects cited by staff members was benefits, all of which were linked to physical, financial, and mental well-being, along with the opportunity to take leave for family caregiving responsibilities.
Most healthcare staff placed top priority on coverage for care related to medical, dental, vision, paid time off, and paid sick leave. However, most staff members also valued life insurance, retirement planning, prescription and pharmacy benefits, family leave, disability benefits, and mental health coverage.
Culture and work-life balance
While benefits received slightly higher priority, the workplace environment was almost equally esteemed by healthcare staff. Studies indicate that ensuring a stable role and offering flexible scheduling can enhance staff performance and mental well-being, as it enables them to effectively manage job-related stress and other difficulties.
The “2023 CareCredit Staff Burnout Survey” also found that 47% of staff members reported feeling undervalued, along with 26% of decision-makers. Additionally, about 69% of clinicians who admitted to feeling burned out reported they did not feel valued, according to a report by Vatornews. Implementing strategies aimed at tackling this issue could foster a productive and engaged workforce leading to cost reduction, enhanced patient outcomes, and competitive advantage for healthcare organizations.
Relieve the administrative burden
Participants in the “2023 CareCredit Staff Burnout Survey” expressed dissatisfaction with administrative tasks, which detracted from patient care.
Billing complexities require a significant portion of the healthcare workforce, leading to a heavy administrative burden. Research has found that some technologies, like automatic check-ins, easily reduce administrative burden for healthcare staff, whereas others, such as EHRs, have increased that burden by introducing duplicative records-keeping practices. One study found that in addition to spending up to two hours each night doing administrative work, physicians spend nearly two hours on EHRs and desk work during the day for every one hour spent with patients. Therefore, the introduction of technologies designed to reduce administrative burden can contribute to further stress if not streamlined properly.
Various approaches are being used to alleviate this burden, such as streamlining documentation and adopting digital intake methods. Investing time in analyzing workflows and employing technology can save time in the long run. Transitioning to online payment options can also save time during patient interactions and allow healthcare professionals to spend time helping patients. Selecting the appropriate third-party solution, like a health and wellness credit card as a payment option, can enhance the payments process and help reduce administrative workload and burnout.
Addressing burnout among healthcare staff is crucial for building not only a resilient and thriving healthcare workforce but in caring for patient well-being as well. It begins with establishing interventions that improve workforce retention and patient care by prioritizing benefits, creating better workplace environments, and streamlining tasks.
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