A proposal for coping strategies on burnout among Japanese resident physicians

Abstract

To the Editor, Burnout is a syndrome conceptualized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a diminished sense of personal achievement. 1,2 Physician burnout has several negative effects, including medical errors and mental ill health. 2,3 It is worth addressing that the prevalence of burnout among resident physicians in Japan is high at approximately 30%. 4 Herein, we, the members of the American College of Physicians Japan Chapter Physicians' Well-being Committee, report factors contributing to burnout of Japanese resident physicians and propose specific countermeasures (Table 1). Our recommendations are the result of focus group discussions with individuals of broad expertise and recent evidence, ensuring that they are grounded and directly relevant to the current challenges faced by resident physicians in Japan. COMMUNIC ATION PROB LEMS IN THE WO RK PL ACEPoor communication and stress in relationships with medical staff and patients may contribute to burnout among resident physicians. 2,3 Because most physicians in Japan start their careers without previous work experience, their communication skills with medical staff and patients may be underdeveloped. Mentoring, sharing plans within the medical team, and changing the teams may improve Communication with other medical staff. Resident physicians should also learn skills for coping with difficult patients who display strong negative feelings toward the physician. 5 To cope with difficult patient encounters, metacognition of their own feelings, analysis on factors of difficult situations, and improvement in the capacity to empathize are important. 5 MAL ADJ US TMENT TO THE JOBLong working hours, increased workload, sleep deprivation owing to duty shifts, and increased burden of COVID-19 treatment are also risk factors for burnout. 2,3 Measures in line with the work reform of physicians in Japan, such as limiting or reducing work, introducing night flow, and mandatory rest after shifts, may be effective.Resilience can be improved by addressing "motivation" through coaching, setting incremental goals, building on successes to increase confidence, and setting new goals. 1