AMA calls for continued investment in effort to reduce burnout

CHICAGO — The burnout rate among physicians in the United States dropped modestly in 2017 from a peak in 2014 and currently stands near 2011 levels, according to a newly released triennial study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings. While acknowledging progress, the American Medical Association (AMA) today warned more needs to be done to reduce physician burnout and called on leaders in the health care system to remain focused on driving research, interventions, workflow and teamwork enhancements, policy changes and technology improvements.

“The tide has not yet turned on the physician burnout crisis,” said AMA President Barbara L. McAneny, M.D. “Despite improvements in the last three years, burnout levels remain much higher among physicians than other U.S. workers, a gap inflamed as the bureaucracy of modern medicine interferes with patient care and inflicts a toll on the well-being of physicians. There is a strong economic case for the health system to continue a comprehensive strategy to reduce the work-induced syndrome of burnout and caregiver fatigue among physicians. An energized, engaged, and resilient physician workforce is essential to achieving national health goals.”