A healthy environment is the key to beating burnout — 3 insights

Burnout is a sign that change is needed on an organizational level, not on an individual level, according to Anesthesia Business Consultants President and CEO Tony Mira.

Mr. Mira shared takeaways from a presentation delivered by Christina Maslach, PhD, at Anesthesiology 2018, Oct. 13-17 in San Francisco.

Here are three insights:

1. Dr. Maslach developed the Maslach Burnout Inventory for measuring burnout in individuals and organizations. High negative scores on three dimensions — exhaustion, cynicism and feelings of professional inefficacy — indicate burnout.

2. Dr. Maslach said she believes physician burnout is a sign of issues in the workplace environment, but organizations typically treat it as a problem with the individual. They often advise physicians experiencing burnout to get more sleep, exercise, eat healthier or participate in workshops.

"You have to look at the things that are causing burnout and how to make changes," she said. "It's a mistake to keep measuring it at an individual level and to assume, therefore, that it’s an individual problem, and not to look at the environment in which people work.”

3. Six factors contribute to a healthy workplace environment:

  • A sustainable workload
  • Choice and control
  • Recognition and reward
  • A supportive work community
  • Fairness, respect and social justice
  • Clear values and meaningful work

Organizations can reduce burnout by identifying areas for improvement related to these six standards, regularly assessing their progress and developing effective interventions.

More articles on anesthesia:
Dr. Giovanni Cucchiaro joins Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital: 3 quick facts
How the opioid crisis affects children & pregnant women — NorthStar Pain Management and Physical Therapy sheds light through partnership
75% of anesthesiologists say surgeons' OR hours should be capped

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