Coronavirus and Physician Burnout Are Adding Fuel to the Fire

The World Health Organization has been on the tips of many tongues in 2020 and still into 2021, as the novel coronavirus pandemic continues to ravage the globe. Equipped to handle issues of international and public health, it has been associated with several programs over the years, including the creation of the International Agency for Research on Cancer to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, and more.

It is consistently working to improve the delivery of medical care, as well as better understand issues pertaining to public health, as evidenced by its work to maintain the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), a diagnostic tool for epidemiology and disease classification. Similar to other diagnostic tools such as the DSM, it is one that has been frequently updated over the years to reflect the latest research.

One of the more recent updates to the ICD saw a more thorough classification of the concept of ‘burnout’, for example. It is now recognized as a syndrome, resultant from “chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed”. It is important to note that this applies explicitly to an occupational context. Burnout is something that can be seen across a wide array of industries; however, physician burnout is one that is of increasing concern in the wake of the pandemic. Although the concept of burnout is not a new one, it is now an official diagnosis according to 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD).

This new addition to the ICD is a welcome one for many, as it marks an important point in addressing the critical concerns of wellness in the medical industry. Prior to the pandemic, the problem was far-reaching, but the pandemic has exacerbated the existing concerns. And much like the pandemic, burnout knows no borders, and does no discriminate. Persons from all backgrounds, cultures, and creeds, are vulnerable. Any measures we can take to reduce, identify, and treat burnout is to the benefit of the collective.

As many states and cities across the globe are seeing new surges in coronavirus cases, hospitals and healthcare providers continue to grapple with the dynamics of the pandemic. Many are facing shortages of essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other medical supplies, despite being months into the pandemic.

Although some supply chains for different goods have adjusted, the healthcare industry is still plagued by deficiencies. This has critical implications, and has forced medical professionals to make difficult decisions in order to prioritize medical care in the face of limited supply. Without the needed supplies, healthcare providers risk unnecessary exposure for themselves, their patients, and their families. This, coupled with the increased amount of patients, is a recipe for stress, and eventual burnout, for many physicians.

Medscape’s 2020 ‘National Physician Burnout & Suicide Report’ found that 42% of the 15,000 physicians surveyed reported being burned out. Half of those surveyed said they would give up at least $20,000 in annual income to reduce their working hours. This was released in January 2020, just months before the WHO had declared the novel coronavirus a global pandemic. The situation has only become worse, as hospitals are often understaffed or otherwise ill-equipped to handle the new demands on the healthcare system as a result of COVID-19.

Physicians are combatting the novel coronavirus, as well as fighting for their mental wellness. It is essential that we raise awareness of mental health for everyone, especially for those upon whom we all rely on our well-being. Doctors around the world are thankfully taking notes and researching ways to help provide interventions to help ease the burden. For the sake of all providers and their patients, let us hope this sheds more light on the issue and leads to actionable change.

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About James Goydos, M.D.

Dr. James Goydos is an expert in melanoma research and specialist in surgical oncology with an M.D. from Rutgers University. With over 20 years of experience as a Professor, Surgeon, and Clinical Trial Lead, he is a leading expert in his field.

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