Burnout among physicians and nurses in the United States
In recent years, the issue of burnout has emerged as a pressing concern within the healthcare industry, specifically affecting physicians and nurses in the United States. Burnout, characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a diminished sense of personal accomplishment, has reached alarming levels and poses a significant threat to the well-being of healthcare professionals and the quality of patient care. In 2023, burnout levels among registered nurses in the United States were alarming. Indeed, a 2023 survey revealed that over two-thirds of surveyed registered nurses stated having feelings of burnout on most days. As for physicians, in 2022, the burnout rate among physicians in selected countries illustrates how widespread burnout has become.
Burnout is caused by excessive workloads, emotional demands, lack of work-life balance, and organizational factors (lack of support). In 2022, the average number of patients seen per workweek by primary care physicians stood at 77 in the U.S., significantly fewer than in Germany, yet still an average of 15 per day. Furthermore, in 2022, the share of physicians working in practices offering weekend patient access stood at 42 percent in the U.S. Unsurprisingly, few physicians feel like their schedule leaves enough time for their personal and family life in the United States.
According to a 2023 survey, most registered nurses in the U.S. often felt like resigning, and a quarter of them felt unsatisfied with the quality of care they could provide. Indeed, burnout causes diminished quality of patient care, high turnover rates, declining mental and physical health, and low job satisfaction.
The prevalence of burnout among physicians and nurses in the United States has reached alarming levels, posing significant challenges to the healthcare system. Addressing this crisis requires a comprehensive approach that involves healthcare organizations, policymakers, professional associations, and individual professionals. By prioritizing the well-being of physicians and nurses, implementing systemic changes, and providing support at various levels, we can work towards mitigating burnout and ensuring a sustainable and fulfilling healthcare workforce that delivers the highest quality care to patients.
Burnout is caused by excessive workloads, emotional demands, lack of work-life balance, and organizational factors (lack of support). In 2022, the average number of patients seen per workweek by primary care physicians stood at 77 in the U.S., significantly fewer than in Germany, yet still an average of 15 per day. Furthermore, in 2022, the share of physicians working in practices offering weekend patient access stood at 42 percent in the U.S. Unsurprisingly, few physicians feel like their schedule leaves enough time for their personal and family life in the United States.
According to a 2023 survey, most registered nurses in the U.S. often felt like resigning, and a quarter of them felt unsatisfied with the quality of care they could provide. Indeed, burnout causes diminished quality of patient care, high turnover rates, declining mental and physical health, and low job satisfaction.
The prevalence of burnout among physicians and nurses in the United States has reached alarming levels, posing significant challenges to the healthcare system. Addressing this crisis requires a comprehensive approach that involves healthcare organizations, policymakers, professional associations, and individual professionals. By prioritizing the well-being of physicians and nurses, implementing systemic changes, and providing support at various levels, we can work towards mitigating burnout and ensuring a sustainable and fulfilling healthcare workforce that delivers the highest quality care to patients.
