ABSTRACT

Physicians hold immense power and authority in healthcare, after all, they are the brains behind saving lives. Physicians have some additional positional pressures that need to be considered by anyone supporting them through a large-scale change initiative. This is because change can contribute to burnout, which is defined as physical or mental collapse caused by overwork or stress. Physician burnout is a condition we need to bring to light, learn more about, and react accordingly. Burnout is a serious concern and change initiatives can contribute to physician burnout, so we all need to get real about addressing it effectively. Engage physicians in a dialogue about burnout. These conversations are best privately and peer-to-peer, but even a healthcare administrator or change adoption professional could begin these conversations. Acknowledging this risk, what contributes to it, and what support is needed or available is the best first step.