A medical student perspective on solutions for burnout

• Published in: Proceedings - Baylor University. Medical Center Vol. 32; no. 3; pp. 452 - 455
• Main Authors: Aufricht, Graham R., Brewer, Jonathan H., Culver, Ashlee L., Fitzpatrick, Rebecca A., Gottlich, Caleb P., Gregston, Alden P., Hoang, Joseph, Watson, Ian T., Iglesias, Jose A., Pippen, John E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Taylor & Francis 03.07.2019; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Burnout; Communication; Debt management; Debt restructuring; Health care; Medical students; Patients; Physicians; Prevention; Quality of life; Students; Work life balance; United States > US
• ISSN: 0899-8280; 1525-3252
• DOI: 10.1080/08998280.2019.1613474

Higher levels of debt have been associated with increased burnout rates and decreased career satisfaction, depressive symptoms, and lack of quality of life and work-life balance.14 Moonlighting among residents who carry debt increases their quality of life and satisfaction with work-life balance, because it can help alleviate debt burden.14 If loan forgiveness/reduction programs were created for those who work in underserved areas, one of the largest factors of burnout in young physicians would be mitigated, and the program would provide medical care to areas that lack access. Almost 27% of physicians reported that inefficient EMR design/interoperability was one factor that made medical practice unsatisfying.19 Another study found that primary care physicians who use more highly complex EMRs with greater capabilities have higher levels of stress than those who use less complex EMRs.20 The pressure of time also contributes to stress when increased amounts of information are required to fill in complex EMR templates without any increase in time allotted for patient visits. [...]new users should have access to responsive information technology support groups and regular optimization meetings. [...]a system of proficiency testing during EMR training sessions to accommodate different rates of learning is needed, so that those who learn more quickly can test out of unnecessary training sessions.