Engagement
septembre 11, 2017
A survey by the professional association representing doctors in Nova Scotia shows that a majority of physicians in the province are feeling burned out. Doctors Nova Scotia studied the work-life issues facing physicians, and finds:
- Seventy percent reported "feeling overextended, disengaged, ineffective and/or fully burned out," 50% reported symptoms of burnout and 20% were feeling ineffective;
- Burnout among Nova Scotia physicians is systemic and related to the basic organization of work, which is outside of the physicians' control, rather than to personal failings regarding inadequate self-care or poor work practices. Contributing factors included administrative hassles, financial concerns, uncompensated work, billing problems and constraints on physician autonomy; and
- Thirty percent reported perceiving a lack of respect for their professional expertise and autonomy from government and the Nova Scotia Health Authority, which is leading to feelings of cynicism and low efficacy.
To address burnout and work dissatisfaction among the province's physicians, doctors in each zone of the province will have a dedicated DNS representative in their community to:
- Provide practice supports and help doctors connect with each other;
- Navigate the system;
- Influence decisions in their communities;
- Work with Nova Scotia Health Authority recruiters to enhance recruitment efforts;
- Link doctors with the resources and supports available at Doctors Nova Scotia; and
- Work with the Section of Primary Care Physicians Representative Council and other physician leaders through the Physician Leadership and Development Program to address the causes of burnout.
Related News:
Doctors Nova Scotia survey shows majority of physicians feeling burnout - Metro
Physician burnout 'a serious issue' in Nova Scotia, survey suggests - CBC News
Survey says Nova Scotia doctors burned out, frustrated - The Chronicle Herald
Business owners in Cape Breton create website to lure doctors to area - CBC News