Healthcare workers at the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic are bearing the brunt of the crisis.
The American Medical Association offers the following suggestions to help hospitals address the added physician stress:
1. Pay attention to the basic needs of physicians, such as food, water, safety and sleep, and help make sure they are being fulfilled.
2. Make sure physicians are receiving enough breaks by paying attention to the number of hours they are working.
3. Provide mental health resources and support.
4. Leaders should acknowledge the stress physicians are feeling and show compassion and empathy.
5. Be flexible about redistributing workloads if needed.
6. Create and maintain a culture of wellness, including the well-being of leaders.