Physician Burnout Syndrome

[rasha abu algasim]

physician burnout syndrome is a psychological syndrome of emotional exhaustion , depersonalization , and reduced personal accomplishment that can occur among individuals who work as human service providers .
the syndrome consist of :
- emotional exhaustion : symptoms of tiredness , and poor emotional resources .
- depersonalization : skeptical , pessimistic, cynical attitude toward persons and existing functioning systems .
- lack of personal accomplishment : feelings of incompetence covering the inefficiency , and inadequacy with lots of grumbling grievances .
the early symptoms of PBS are diminished desire to get engaged in the active work , becoming suspicious of the others particularly the senior officials in general , and colleagues and administrators in particular . this is followed by clear expression of " I don't care " associated with frequent complaints for trivial reasons the reflect the signs of disinterest .
High risk factors :
- age : young score high than older doctors
- sex : male more than female
- crowded wards
- culture of blame
- increased work of demands
- poorly defined rules
- inability to bring about system change .
Complications :
- bad life style
- depression
- unhappy specialty status
- alcoholism and drug abuse
- reduced public trust on the health service and health care system
Treatment :
- early detection of the association between self reported physician burnout and increased likelihood of medical errors with reduced quality of care delivered by doctors .
- reduced stress by create a health system that motivate doctors .
- positive peer attitude to reduce the conspiracy of silence about the problem .