Section 4: The Role of Physician Health

Question 1

Physician Behavior Studies

Answer 1

Severe to Moderate Stress: 53%
No or occasional exercise: 35%
6 or less hours sleep: 34%
Never or occasionally eat breakfast: 27%
Sedative/tranquilizer use: 13%
Depression: 7%
Marijuana use: 4%

53% are obese

Question 2

Physicians who…

Answer 2

• Exercise most likely counsel px on exercise
• Have normal body mass index are more confident about counseling px
• American Medical Association Code of Medical Ethics: Physicians should be responsible of their health for the safety and effectiveness of medical care they provide.
• Physicians are at high risk of burnout
• Burnout (high emotional exhaustion, high depersonalization, low sense of personal accomplishment from work
• National Academy of Medicine notes that 35-45% of US nurses and physicians have symptoms of burnout (substantial)
• Medical students burnout is between 45-60%
• Suboptimal care of px may be one unintended consequence of burnout
• NAM suggests approach to take action against Physician burnout

Between 35-45% of US nurses and physicians have substantial symptoms of burnout. Burnout for medical students is estimated to be between 45-60%. Burnout often leads to worse patient outcomes. Physicians suffering from burnout are noted to be less engaged with their work and patients. Research suggests that physician burnout is associated with medical errors, communication errors, less productivity, and an increased likelihood to leave the profession.

Question 3

Strategies for incorporating wellness program in clinic, medical office, or health care

Answer 3

In hospitals or health systems: employee wellness programs, gym on site, local gym discount

Incorporate culture of wellness in office: breaks and healthy foods

Question 4

How to Create a readiness assessment

Answer 4

Changing habits takes time and significant effort. First, you should seek to identify a focus area or behavior you wish to improve. Then, reflect and assess your readiness to change. Next, assess your confidence to change and the importance of making a change. Next, create a specific action plan using SMART goals. Next, personalize by keeping journals or engage your social support (whatever works for you). Next, reassess at established time intervals along the way.