Behind the stethoscope :
HEALTH PROFESSIONS INDEMNITY
Behind the stethoscope :
Decoding burnout among healthcare professionals
By Jiyaad Khan , PPS Health Professions Indemnity : Service Consultant
Jiyaad Khan
BURNOUT SYMPTOMS
In the ever-evolving realm of healthcare , the dedication of medical professionals has long been hailed as heroic . However , beneath the stethoscopes and white coats lies an unspoken pandemic garnering increasing attention : burnout among these dedicated individuals . Amid their unwavering commitment to saving lives and providing compassionate care , healthcare professionals often find themselves teetering on the precipice of physical and mental exhaustion .
THE HIDDEN STRUGGLE
Doctors , nurses and support staff in the healthcare sector face challenges extending beyond the inherent demands of their profession . The pressure to excel , coupled with long hours and the emotional toll of witnessing suffering and loss , creates a perfect storm for burnout . This is not merely stress or fatigue ; it is a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion with severe consequences for individuals and patient care .
RECOGNISING THE SYMPTOMS OF BURNOUT
As we delve into the critical issue of burnout among healthcare professionals , it is imperative to understand the telltale signs that indicate an individual may be experiencing this pervasive condition . Burnout is not a transient state of stress but rather a prolonged and chronic exhaustion that manifests in physical , emotional and behavioural symptoms . Understanding the signs of burnout is crucial for healthcare practitioners and those around them . Burnout manifests in physical , emotional and behavioural symptoms :
EXPLORING BURNOUT TRIGGERS AND CONTRIBUTORS
The implications of medical malpractice resulting from doctor burnout are profound . For every hour spent with a patient , doctors invest at least double that time in writing reports . As reported by the South African Society of Psychiatrists ( SASOP ): The prolonged workload , coupled with a shortage of doctors in South Africa , means that , according to the SASOP research , doctors now boast
28
Physical symptoms :
• Chronic fatigue
• Insomnia or sleep disturbances
• Frequent illness
Emotional symptoms :
• Depersonalisation
• Reduced sense of accomplishment
• Emotional exhaustion
Behavioural symptoms :
• Withdrawal
• Decreased performance
• Increased irritability
Cognitive symptoms :
• Impaired concentration
• Forgetfulness
• Negative self-talk