Burnout Among All Groups of Physicians—Mitigation Strategies for Dermatologists

Abstract

Physician burnout affects all physicians, including dermatologists. In a recent survey of more than 30 000 physicians, nearly 50% of dermatologists reported burnout, a rate similar to the national average across all specialties. 1 Early research that defined burnout as a triad of exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced sense of personal accomplishment also informed the World Health Organization (WHO) definition of burnout as an occupational phenomenon. Despite these specific and clear definitions of burnout, colloquial use of the term has become a less-specific way of describing a shared frustration with the stress of practicing medicine.The implications of burnout are far-reaching and significant. Burnout affects physician overall well-being and is associated with impaired quality of life, increased risk of depression, and suicide. Burnout negatively influences the quality and cost of care delivered by physicians. 2 Dermatologists are not immune to burnout and its grave effects. As dermatologists, we face many of the same challenges as other physicians, including issues with electronic health records (EHR), increased patient volume, insurance struggles, decreased reimbursement, increased administrative demands, and lack of autonomy. These stressors may exacerbate inherent personality traits common to highachieving physicians within competitive specialties like dermatology, including self-criticism or perfectionism.How can we develop strategies to effectively address this issue? Strategies to combat burnout have been published for physicians more broadly, and herein we have adapted 4 strategies that may be most relevant for dermatologists to combat burnout. 3

The role of online consultation requests to personal social media accounts and instant messaging services of dermatologists in occupational burnout: An emerging problem

“…Specific days and times could be established to respond to those kinds of online consultations, 7 which could improve the perception of control over work conditions, reduce the workload, and ensure dermatologists’ satisfaction with work‐life balance. Since common personality traits, including self‐criticism or perfectionism, 29 among high‐achieving physicians like dermatologists, are associated with the sense of social obligation and dedication to work, 30 it may be helpful to obtain professional support for dermatologists, who are susceptible to burnout as a personality trait. Medico‐legal matters and ethical implications of online consultations through IMS and SM apps are other aspects of the discussion, which are still open for debate 17 .…”

Challenges for dermatologists during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study

“… 19 Our group has previously proposed burnout mitigation strategies for dermatologists that include the following: (1) focus on incremental changes that help restore autonomy and control over work, (2) connect with colleagues within the dermatology medical community, (3) develop self-awareness and recognition of a perfectionist mindset, and (4) restore meaning to patient care. 16 …”

Beyond burnout: Talking about physician suicide in dermatology

“…1 Although burnout rates in dermatology have traditionally been lower compared with other specialties, the rates have been rising more quickly. 2 With the increasing rates of physician burnout and suicide, we believe that it is time for the dermatology community to raise awareness and support efforts around physician suicide.…”

“…Over 50% of physicians currently experience burnout, contributing to reduced productivity, worse patient outcomes, and poor physician mental health and suicidality. 2 Nearly 400 physicians die by suicide each year in the United States, with the rates especially high among female physicians, who die by suicide at rates 2-4 times higher than women in the general population. 3 Physicians with histories of mental illness or substance use may also be at an increased risk.…”

“…First, burnout rates are rising among dermatologists; a recent survey found that nearly 50% of dermatologists reported burnout, similar to the national average across the specialties. 2 The contributors to burnout among dermatologists include excessive documentation and time spent on the electronic medical record, which have increased during the pandemic due to the transition to virtual care. Given the link between burnout, depression, and suicide, future studies must investigate the implications of these workplace shifts in dermatology.…”