By: Jenn Negley, Vice President, Risk Strategies Company
Physician burnout is not a new phenomenon, but its prevalence has recently reached alarming levels. According to a 2021 survey by Mayo Clinic and Stanford Medicine, 62.8% of physicians reported experiencing burnout. While the numbers have improved, with a more recent AMA study showing that 50% of physicians are now struggling with burnout, the issue remains far from solved. The lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, growing mistrust in medical science, and misinformation continue to place added stress on healthcare providers, making burnout a critical issue that affects both physicians and patients.
The Lasting Impact of Administrative Challenges
A key factor fueling burnout in physicians is the increasing administrative burden they face. Constantly changing regulations, including the often-onerous prior authorization (PA) processes, have been cited by physicians as major contributors to job dissatisfaction. The American Medical Association (AMA) has voiced concerns about PAs, describing them as a “barrier between patients and necessary care under the guise of controlling costs.” According to the AMA’s latest survey, 95% of physicians reported that the PA process either somewhat or significantly increased their burnout.
While administrative tasks are a challenge in many professions, in healthcare, the stakes are much higher. When physicians are overwhelmed by paperwork, their ability to provide optimal patient care is compromised, which directly impacts patient safety. Medical errors, which are already a significant concern, are further exacerbated by burnout.
Physician Burnout and Its Link to Medical Errors
The relationship between physician burnout and medical errors is well documented. In a study led by Daniel Tawfik and published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, it was revealed that rates of medical errors tripled in work units where physicians reported high levels of burnout—even in units with top safety ratings. This data makes it clear: burnout doesn’t just affect physician well-being—it directly impacts the quality of care they provide.
Though healthcare systems have made progress in improving patient safety through system-level interventions, we cannot overlook the role of the physician’s mental health. If physicians are experiencing burnout, even the most well-designed systems will fail to prevent medical errors. In fact, burnout could undo many of the safety gains achieved through system-level changes. To reduce errors and improve care, we must address the root cause of burnout.
Addressing the Root Causes of Burnout
There are clear steps that can be taken to reduce burnout and improve both physician well-being and patient care. First and foremost, healthcare organizations must create a culture where mental health is prioritized. This begins by fostering an open dialogue about burnout, encouraging physicians to seek help when needed, and ensuring they have access to mental health resources.
While individual support is crucial, systemic changes are just as important. The administrative burden physicians face must be reduced by streamlining processes such as prior authorizations and cutting down on redundant tasks. Physicians should be allowed to focus on patient care, rather than spending countless hours on paperwork. Furthermore, healthcare leaders must listen to the needs and concerns of their staff, ensuring that burnout is addressed not just as a personal issue but as an organizational one.
• To make a lasting impact, addressing burnout requires collaboration among all stakeholders, including healthcare systems, insurance companies, the government, and technology providers. Solutions should include adjusting workflows, improving reimbursement rates, and eliminating unnecessary administrative barriers. If we tackle these issues, we can create an environment that supports physicians and, in turn, improves the quality-of-care patients receive.
Conclusion: Physician Burnout Is a Fixable Problem
While physician burnout rates have improved, they remain alarmingly high and continue to contribute to medical errors. This is a crisis that cannot be ignored. The good news is that burnout is a fixable problem—one that requires the collective effort of healthcare leaders, administrators, policymakers, and the broader healthcare system. By addressing the root causes of burnout, such as administrative burdens, and fostering a culture of mental health support, we can reduce medical errors and ensure that physicians are able to provide the best possible care to their patients.
For more information, please contact Jenn Negley, Vice President, Risk Strategies Company at 267-251-2233 or JNegley@Risk Strategies.com.
