An excess of bureaucratic tasks at work, including charting and paperwork, is the leading cause of physician burnout, according to Medscape's 2024 "Physician Burnout and Depression Report," published Jan. 24.
For the report, Medscape polled 9,226 practicing U.S. physicians across more than 29 specialties from July 5 to Oct. 9.
Here are the top factors contributing to physician burnout:
1. Too many bureaucratic tasks: 62%
2. Too many hours at work: 41%
3. Lack of respect from administrators, employers, colleagues and staff: 40%
4. Insufficient compensation: 38%
5. Lack of control/autonomy: 32%
6. Computerization of practice: 24%
7. Lack of respect from patients: 22%
8. Government regulations: 13%