Chapter 2
Why Healthcare Providers Feel Stressed, Frustrated, and Depressed
T
he topic of healthcare delivery system structure is beyond the scope of this book, but I need to outline my working definitions to be applied throughout this discussion. It is important to state outright that healthcare providers are key to the healthcare delivery system. It is impossible to legally administer care to the patients without them, for all patient care requires a provider order. I do not mean that healthcare providers should be exalted or given unfettered authority; however, there is a need to recognize that they have a central role to play in the delivery system. In modern healthcare systems, the consumers are the patients, their families, and in some cases, the referring physicians. While at times limited by insurance requirements, patients are generally free to determine where and from whom they obtain their healthcare. Therefore, an effective delivery system needs to be accessible and responsive to patients’ needs. The primary personnel required for a healthcare delivery system are the healthcare providers, including physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, who are extensively trained, licensed, and credentialed. Whether in an outpatient office or an inpatient hospital setting, all healthcare delivery requires the direction of a licensed provider. The hospital facility cannot function without engaged 31
