Taking Care of Your Personal Well-Being “From the Experts”
Nov 28, 2023
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Three Mayo Clinic physicians who are experts in health care professional well-being discuss the importance of personal well-being in the healthcare profession. They highlight the prevalence and causes of burnout among healthcare professionals and provide practical tips for incorporating wellness practices into their lives. The podcast also explores implementing a four-day work week in healthcare and the benefits of quality sleep. Additionally, the speakers discuss the health benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables and the importance of personal well-being in relation to family life.
Burnout in healthcare professionals can have negative consequences for personal well-being and patient care.
Prioritizing self-care and creating a supportive work environment are essential for healthcare professionals' well-being.
Structural changes, such as setting reasonable workloads and implementing digital health technology, can greatly enhance physician well-being and work efficiency.
Deep dives
Importance of Well-Being for Healthcare Professionals
Taking care of personal well-being is crucial for healthcare professionals, as burnout is a prevalent issue in the healthcare field. Burnout not only affects personal well-being but also impacts the quality of healthcare delivered. Emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a low sense of personal accomplishment are the three dimensions of burnout. Factors contributing to burnout include excessive workload, lack of social connection, and feeling treated unfairly. It is essential to prioritize well-being to prevent burnout and maintain a conducive work environment where individuals feel appreciated and supported.
Recognizing the Need for Well-Being in Medicine
Historically, medicine has undervalued self-care and prioritized patient needs above all else. However, research has shown that taking care of healthcare professionals' well-being is essential for optimal patient care. Burnout has become a recognized phenomenon in medicine, with heightened awareness around its prevalence and negative consequences. The medical profession has seen changes in working conditions and increased awareness of the importance of well-being. By prioritizing well-being, healthcare professionals can thrive and deliver better care to their patients.
Balancing Personal and Professional Well-Being
Ensuring personal well-being as a healthcare professional involves both personal adaptation and infrastructure improvements. Individuals must prioritize self-care, acknowledging the importance of physical and mental health. It may involve making time for exercise, proper sleep, and engaging in activities that bring joy, such as connecting with patients. Moreover, infrastructure changes are necessary, including flexible work schedules, support groups, and an organizational culture that supports well-being. Embracing both personal and systemic approaches can lead to a healthier, more fulfilled healthcare workforce.
Structural changes to support well-being
One important structural change that can promote physician well-being is setting reasonable and sustainable workloads. Currently, there are no boundaries on the amount of work physicians can take on, leading to burnout. By establishing system boundaries and adapting to changes in medical practice, such as increased online contact with patients, workload can be balanced. Another structural approach is promoting flexibility in workday structure. By allowing for flexible start and end times, healthcare professionals can better meet their self-care needs and personal priorities while still maintaining a sustainable workload.
Harnessing technology for improved work-life balance
The use of digital health technology, such as AI and ambient listening, can greatly enhance physician well-being and work efficiency. By implementing technology to automate tasks like documentation and note-taking, physicians can spend more face-to-face time with patients and reduce time spent on administrative work. This not only improves the quality of care but also allows healthcare professionals to better prioritize their personal well-being and achieve a healthier work-life balance. Such technology can also benefit other healthcare professions, such as nurses, by reducing time spent on documentation and freeing up more time for patient care and meaningful interactions.
Hosts: Sanj Kakar, M.D., @sanjkakar | Dawn R. Davis, M.D.
Guests: Donald D. Hensrud, M.D., M.S.| Shanda Blackmon, M.D., M.P.H. | Colin P. West, M.D., Ph.D.
Well-being is a timely and important topic for patients and health care professionals alike. Physicians and allied health staff must take care of themselves to optimally serve others. We welcome you to learn about health care professional well-being from three Mayo Clinic physicians who are nationally recognized experts in the field.
