Burnout Among US Healthcare Professionals: A Detailed Report

This report delves into the pervasive issue of burnout among US healthcare professionals, examining its multifaceted nature. It begins with an introduction to burnout, defining it as a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion stemming from prolonged stress, and outlines its adverse effects on individuals and the healthcare system. The report then explores the background of burnout, differentiating it from stress and highlighting its impact on motivation, productivity, and patient care. The extent and significance of burnout among US healthcare professionals are analyzed, citing statistics from various studies, including Medscape reports and National Academy of Medicine findings, which reveal alarmingly high rates of burnout among physicians, nurses, and other healthcare workers. The report further investigates the causes of burnout, such as job dissatisfaction, excessive workloads, and organizational climate factors, as well as its impact on personal lives, turnover rates, and the quality of care. The report includes a discussion on the economic costs associated with burnout, including the costs of replacing burned-out professionals and the potential for medical errors and malpractice claims. The report concludes by emphasizing the urgent need for interventions to address this growing crisis and improve the well-being of healthcare professionals.

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Question 1
Introduction
In today's time where the life of everyone is hectic, people often come across to various
physical and mental issues. Out of these issues, some are as serious that they become difficult to
treat and start affecting the daily life of people. Burnout is one such mental health-related issue,
which refers to a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion caused by prolonged and
excessive stress. There are many reasons behind the occurrence of burnout and most people
experience emotional drainage, overwhelming set of feelings, or the inability to meet the
constant demands. The issue is stated to occur in the people of different age groups and can be
checked through its symptoms that will further be discussed in this report.
The objective of this report is to assess the various aspects of the burnout issues among
US healthcare professionals. Firstly, the background of the issue will be discussed to understand
the issue of burnout comprehensively. Followed by this, the significance of the issue will be
discussed while mentioning how burnout issues affect healthcare professionals and the whole
industry. Thus, an overall discussion reflecting the extent of the issue among US healthcare
professionals would be provided with a conclusion at the end.
Background
The issue of burnout is occurring due to the decrease in motivation and interest, which
leads a person to take on a certain role in the first place. The issue is very significant as it
decreases the capacity of people to live a regular and usual life, and further decreases
productivity and energy out of them. Further, it influences patients in a manner where they feel

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helpless, hopeless, resentful, and cynical. The adverse impact of the issue affects almost every
area of the patient's life including his/her work, home, and social life. Apart from this, burnout
may also bring long-term changes in a patient's body that makes them vulnerable to flu, cold and
other illnesses. Many people understand and consider burnout as “stress” but it is vital to note
that both of them are different terms. While stress is about taking too much pressure; burnout is
about feeling mentally exhausted and feeling devoid of motivation. Further, in stress, emotions
are overactive whereas in case of burnout emotions are blunt (Helpguide.org, 2020).
Extent and significance of the issue
By the above-mentioned discussion, it is far clear that burnout is an important health
issue and should be addressed on an urgent basis. Now moving the discussion towards the
existence of subjective issues among healthcare professionals of the US, this is to state that the
issue exists at a significant level. The seriousness and depth of the issue can be understood by the
fact that as per a report issued by one of the most prestigious medical institutions of the USA, the
National Academy of Medicine, half of the doctors and nurses of the country are facing
symptoms of burnout (Wan, 2019). Accounts of various researches lead to the observation that
these professionals are at an increased threat of professional burnout. Here professional burnout
refers to prolonged stress which affects the ability of a person to perform the job in particular
situations. Thus, prolonged burnout in the professionals itself adversely affects patient care and
lead to the problem of the physician shortage in medical care facilities. The issue seems to be
increasing day by day among healthcare professionals in the US. In terms of the factual data, it
must be noted that according to the 2013 Medscape Lifestyle Report, where a survey was
conducted over 20,000 physicians, the nationwide burnout rate was found at 40%. This rate has
significantly increased to 51% in the year 2017. It means in four years, the rate has been

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increased by 25%. One another study has been conducted in this area which further supports the
Medscape findings according to which it was reported that from 2011 to 2014, burnout issues has
been increased by 9% (Dyrbye et. al, 2017). To further discuss the issue in more detail, this is to
mention that the risks of burnout findings are not equal and the same in every group of
healthcare professionals. For instance, the issue is more prevalent in the front line of care such as
the individuals belonging to obstetrics, emergency medicine, and internal medicine departments.
Similarly, in the case of female professionals, the chances of burnout issues are high in
comparison to male colleagues. Further, the registered nurses who work in nursing homes are
more likely to be a victim of burnout issue in comparison to nurses who are in other settings,
because of the nature of the job.
This is also necessary to inform here that the issue is not limited to the physicians only. A
study was conducted in 2001 where it was found that nearly 43% of nurses working in US
hospitals had symptoms of emotional exhaustion. Further, as per another study conducted in
2011, in nearly 37% of nurses who were engaged in direct patient care in nursing homes and in
33% hospital nurses, burnout prevalence has found (Reith, 2018). Studies suggest that the issue
of burnout in physician assistants may be relevantly high. Although it was stated earlier that
stress is different from burnout but this would not be wrong to state that there is a close
connection between the two terms. People who experience more stress are more likely to be a
victim of burnout. In 2010-2011, a qualitative study was conducted among 19 nurses. In the
results of the study, it was found that lack of proper logistics, lack of experience, shortage of
nurses are some of the causes behind high levels of stress among these nurses that further lead to
the increment in the risk of burnout (Adib-Hajbaghery, Khamechian & Alavi, 2012).

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The U.S. healthcare system is facing pressure to produce better outcomes at a low rate
and therefore the healthcare system of the country is changing the ways of the delivery of the
services. This shift seems good for patients but not for the healthcare professionals, as the latter
group is on the risk of burning out at an alarming rate, because of the pressure involved. In this
manner, it would not be wrong to state that extraordinary expectations from these professionals
are the prime cause of burnout. The magnitude and the significance of a problem can be
observed from the fact that it severely impedes the personal lives of people, increases turnover
rate, decreases productivity, and diminishes the overall quality of care. Health care is not an easy
job and professionals are required to be positive and satisfied with their job. Nevertheless,
burnout does not leave the situation well. In the 2018 report of Medscape, it was highlighted that
42% of physicians have reported the occurrence of burnout out of a total of 15000, which is a
huge statistic in itself (Medscape.com, 2018).
Causes of the issue
While discussing the issue, the causes of the same are also required to have a look upon.
Job dissatisfaction, work-related stress, work-home conflicts, excessive workload, organizational
climate factors are some of the leading causes behind burnout. In addition to this, some other
factors such as futile care, false hope, and inadequate informed consent lead to an increase in
moral distress. Physicians in private practice have some other work-related drivers that increase
the risk of burnout by 20%. Apart from all these factors, leadership is also a key matter. As
mentioned above, one of the lead causes of stress is workplace dissatisfaction and here
leadership plays an important role. Where healthcare professionals are provided more choices
and control over workplace issues, then they are more satisfied and are less likely to have a risk
of burnout.

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Many times patients remain concerned about their own safety when they know that
healthcare professionals themselves experience burnout issues. For nearly 74% of healthcare
professionals, the issue of burnout is a major concern as found in a new survey conducted by
"American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). This survey was conducted in May
2019 containing 2000 adults of the U.S. The burnout issue among U.S. healthcare professionals
causes a total cost of $ 4.6 billion on an annual basis (Eurekalert.org, 2019). In the subjective
survey, a quarter of Americans stated that they believe 25% of retail pharmacists and 26% of
hospital pharmacists are burned out often. According to another poll, nearly 91% of respondents
agreed on the fact that they want their physician, nurse, and other healthcare professionals to
avoid burnout (healthleadersmedia.com, 2019). Not only the nurses and physicians but also
medical students often considered as healthcare professionals in general, and the terms and
situation of them are also not so good. A very large survey of over 4000 medical students was
done in 2010 where 50% of them were found to be having symptoms of burnout (McCown,
Reibel, & Micozzi, 2017).
Impact
The concern of burnout among healthcare professionals is important to be discussed as
the same leads to adverse consequences not only on the lives of such professionals but also on
the lives of patients to whom they treat. To check these consequences, a cross-sectional study has
been conducted on 7100 US surgeon and it was found that burnout contributes to medical errors
and medical malpractice suits follow. It also works vice versa, which means medical errors also
contribute to burnout further.
The burnout issue among healthcare professionals affects the whole industry. Due to this
issue, such professionals have to leave their job, which not only affects personal life but also

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affects the quality of services and the reputation of the hospitals and the whole medical industry.
The cost of replacing one professional with others depends on many factors such as length of
vacancy, location, and specialty, and others. Further, the issue of burnout among healthcare
professionals also indirectly enhances healthcare expenses. As mentioned above, due to the
existence of burnout, there are more cases of medical errors and negligence and in such a
situation, there is lower job productivity, as well as an increase in a malpractice claim. The
situation is also difficult for professional himself or herself, where the people who are meant to
help out others are themselves suffering. According to a cross-sectional study of a physician,
burnout, there are a 200% increased odds of suicidal ideation in such individuals. In comparison
to the general population of the US, healthcare professionals are at increased risk of suicide.
Many of the studies suggest that job burnout affects one or more aspects of the wellbeing
of employees. These aspects of wellbeing include psychological, physical and behavioral
wellbeing. In a study conducted in 2013, a close relationship between job satisfaction and all
type of burnout dimensions has been found (Lizano, 2015). The healthcare regulators of the
whole country are taking steps to prevent this issue but the most appropriate solution still seems
to be missing. In 2017, a national collaborative was rolled out where three lead goals have been
set such as better understanding of clinical well-being, the elevation of the proof-based solution
and raising the visibility of clinical burnout and stress issues. By 2018, more than 150 healthcare
organizations are stated to be committed to these goals. In this manner, it can be stated that the
issue is increasing at a very surprising rate among healthcare professionals of the U.S. and
demands urgent action to address the same.

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Conclusion
To conclude this essay and discussion on this topic, this is to state that burnout issue is
being very significant day by day and the current situation seems very dangerous. Although the
situation was also poor in 2012 it is getting worsened because of the increased complexities in
the healthcare job and healthcare industry. Nearly half of the healthcare professionals are
suffering from the issue of burnout and the same is influencing their personal as well as
professional life, as reviewed in the work above.

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Question 2
Introduction
Similar to the healthcare professionals, clinical laboratory employees are also facing the
issue of burnout. To provide an introduction to the topic this is to state that the issue is known as
employee burnout. It strikes the employees when the emotional and physical strength has been
exhausted. Burnout can manifest among clinical employees in a variety of ways such as
exhaustion, sarcastic conversations, frustration, absenteeism, and others (labmanager.com,
2020). This part of the report is fully focused on the issue of burnout among laboratory
employees of the US. The discussion would involve the explanation of the issue, background,
and significance. In conjunction with this, some other aspects related to the topic such as causes
of issue and scope of the same will also be discussed presenting relevant facts of a study
conducted in the subjective area.
Background
Burnout in the medical profession and related area is common but it is important to
discuss this issue in the context of the laboratory employees as well. Although in a recent
Medscape survey, it was found that the risk of burnout among clinical lab employees is less than
other physician specialist but still the same is increasing at an alarming rate. Burnout rate in
clinical laboratory employee of 35 years or younger was found to be on a similar rate as an
emergency medicine physician. As no data from any peer-reviewed journal exists, hence it can
be presumed that other people in the laboratory such as clinical laboratory scientists, doctoral-
level scientists, and phlebotomists also have a similar rate of risk of burnout as other
pathologists.

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Significance and impact of the issue
The issue exists for years but it is increasing presently in a very significant manner. The
issue is very significant to be discussed as the job of clinical laboratories employee is very
critical and complex, and burnout affects the working quality of these employees that further
increase the chances of errors. In simple words, the risk of errors is highly dependent on the
efficiency of the laboratory employees.
The demand for an employee in the lab is deeply impacted by burnout issues. When
employees leave their job due to burnout, it increases the requirement in the said department and
the work stress is transferred on to the existing employees that further become a victim of
burnout. The lab industry is shifting to a value-based care model that places more responsibility
and pressure on the lab employees to complete the tests more appropriately. Burnout leads errors
in the performance of the duty of lab employees but the related facts are not available to present
due to the absence of studies conducted in this area (ltshealth.com, 2020). In this manner, this
can be stated that despite the crucial role which clinical laboratory plays in patient care, the same
is facing a shortage of qualified professionals.
Causes of the issue
Among clinical lab employees, the issue of burnout occurs when there are issues within
seven domains namely work, control and flexibility, efficiency and resources, workload and job
demands, culture and values, work-life integration and social support and community at work.
No one can control every factor that leads to burnout among lab employees. Laboratory leaders
may develop a healthier system with the help of institutional leaders. Further in US clinical
laboratories, shortage of staff and high employee turnover is stated to be a permanent issue.

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When retention and recruitment efforts fall short, such vacancies become another cause of stress
and burnout of employees (ascls.org, 2020). Disconnection with upper management is another
issue across clinical labs. Many times, the decision of senior managers affects the employees. It
also creates confusion, which increases the repetition of tasks and leads to employee
dissatisfaction at last.
The extent of the issue
As mentioned above, burnout contributes to high staff turnover, here some data related to
the same are necessary to be presented to check the seriousness of the issue. A study has been
conducted in this area containing 1000 employees of Florida state-licensed clinical laboratory.
To conduct this study, a quantitative study has been done where an online survey and
demographic questionnaire have used for the collection of data. 184 employees have completed
this survey, the result of which is presented hereunder:
(Source: Hilton, 2017)
This result shows that the 184 participants were found to be experiencing exhaustion at
an average level and professional efficacy and cynicism at a high level. These three dimensions
have been set out to check the relationship between burnout and turnover intention. A

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satisfactory significant relationship between turnover intention and emotional exhaustion is
found to exist. This study investigated that job burnout is the lead reason behind high staff
turnover and therefore laboratory leaders must work on the methods that decrease burnout
among employees through reducing emotional exhaustion and increasing professional efficacy.
The issue is not only existed in Florida but in every other state of the U.S. Nevertheless, a clear
study as found in the case of Florida is not available in regards to California. For the clinical lab
employees, critical calls become an issue, which contributes to their stress. These issues are not
related to one or two laboratories but with every other clinical laboratory of the US. In this way,
it is clear that the US is a very significant risk where the responsible jobs such as clinical lab’s
employees are at risk. The risk associated with the issue can easily imagine by the fact that these
employee process and check critical health reports of people and how big mistakes they can
commit if suffer from burnout. The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science stated that
each member of the organization plays an important role not only in society but also in the
clinical laboratory profession. Many ways have been identified through which the issue of
burnout can be resolved. These issues include networking, socializing, and mentoring
(Elitecme.com, 2017).
Conclusion
Conclusively to state, employees of the clinical laboratory are also facing similar issues
like that of the health care professionals where they feel demotivated and distressed. This further
leads to high staff turnover. The report has been prepared with the related facts and the
seriousness and significance of the issue are widely evident. The issue of burnout demands an
urgent resolution and therefore steps should be taken to reduce the level of stress and all other
issues that these professionals are facing these days.

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References
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ascls.org. (2020). Addressing the Clinical Laboratory Workforce Shortage. Retrieved from:
https://www.ascls.org/position-papers/321-laboratory-workforce/440-addressing-the-
clinical-laboratory-workforce-shortage
Dyrbye, L. N., Shanafelt, T. D., Sinsky, C. A., Cipriano, P. F., Bhatt, J., Ommaya, A., ... &
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https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/burnout-prevention-and-recovery.htm

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