In 2023, 36% of hospitalists reported feeling burnt out, 8% reported feeling depressed, and 22% reported feelings of both. But the latest survey found that those reporting burn out fell 3 percentage points to 33%, depression fell the same amount to 5%, and clinicians experiencing both fell by 6% down to only 16%.
In general, more women than men report experiencing burnout, but the playing field is becoming more even in this respect. For the latest report, 47% of men and 52% of women reported experiencing burnout in their hospital roles. The new data is much closer than 2023’s data, in which 53% of men and 66% of women reporting the same.
Burnout is also becoming an enduring, chronic condition for some, with 35% reporting they have felt burnt out for at least two years or longer. The top five factors prolonging these conditions, according to the report, are: too many tasks like charting and paperwork, lack of respect from leadership and colleagues, lengthy shifts, insufficient pay and lack of respect from patients.
But 46% said they don’t think their hospitals or held systems seem to adequately recognize or address burnout issues, with only 26% feeling their system does do so.
What can help? The five most cited solutions hospitalists say are essential to reducing burnout further are: increasing flexibility of work schedules, adding support staff, lightening patient loads, increasing respect felt from leadership and colleagues, and increasing physician autonomy.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
