During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, physician burnout reached a record high of 62.8%. For the first time in four years, burnout rates have dropped below 50%. Organizations across the country have worked toward reducing this rate. CommonSpirit Mountain Region was recognized as an honoree for the American Medical Association's, or AMA, Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program for the work it does to reduce physcian burnout.
“The goal of the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program is to unite the health care community in building a nationwide culture committed to the well-being of clinical care teams by helping health organizations invest in action plans promoting professional fulfillment and meaning that clinicians find in caring for their patients,” said Christine Sinsky, M.D., AMA vice president of professional satisfaction.
Forty-eight percent of physicians surveyed by the AMA reported experiencing at least one symptom of burnout in 2023. In 2022, 53% of physicians reported symptoms of burnout. Although the numbers are in decline, the AMA reports that the extent of the problem remains a startling reality and requires further attention.
Overall, this signals that reported levels of burnout from this group of respondents is less than it was last year” and in other years after COVID-19 hit, said Nancy Nankivil, director of organizational well-being at the AMA. “This is moving in the right direction,” noting that there is variation in key indicators such as reported burnout across organizations.
“Our commitment to physician well-being in the CommonSpirit Mountain Region includes a 24-hour physician support line, peer coach training for our physicians and advanced practice providers, individual coaching sessions, and more,” said Diane Thompson, MD, Enterprise Medical Director for Wellbeing. “Together, we are working to ensure we’re being proactive about addressing burnout, stress, and any other mental health concerns that may arise for our providers.”
CommonSpirit Mountain Region includes 20 hospitals, 250 clinics and practices and around 5,300 physicians and advanced practice workers.
“CommonSpirit physicians and advanced practice providers do an incredible job taking care of our patients every day with compassion and expertise. We are not immune, however, to workplace stress, and it is essential that we properly care for each other and for ourselves,” said Shauna Gulley, MD, System Senior Vice President for the Physician Enterprise at CommonSpirit Health. “When our caregivers are happy and healthy, our patients and communities are healthier as a result.”
