Physician Mental Health Impacts InteractionsPatient

Today’s gastroenterology physicians face the daunting task of caring for patients daily and managing the collective mental wear associated with it. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, a new spotlight focused on a sharp rise in burnout and the exodus of providers from the field.

Managing mental health ensures that you are prepared to provide care and that interactions with staff, fellow physicians, and, most importantly, patients, remain positive. Failing to take care of yourself can contribute to adverse outcomes, leading to a loss of patients and significant financial impact.

Mental Health Challenges

The rapid rise of burnout among healthcare providers has urged providers to prioritize mental health. Research has shown that mental health struggles commonly lead to negative interactions with coworkers and patients.

A report from Health Data Management reveals that from 2021 to 2022, 65% of surveyed physicians said they experienced burnout. Additionally, 35% of that group added that burnout symptoms “significantly increased” in 2022. Despite the official end of the COVID-19 pandemic, the stress associated with years of difficult situations and changes in lifestyle has left a mark on the industry as the world continues to recover and return to normalcy.

The Patient Perspective

Interactions with patients are part of being a physician. Your attitude can give patients confidence, knowledge, and reassurance that their health is your top priority.

However, physicians struggling with mental health may see a stark change in their attitudes toward others. iScribe Health outlines effects of physician burnout, including a shift in mentality inside the office that can lead to awkward situations involving patients.

“While being cynical can seem like an attitude problem, this sort of negativity to colleagues, sometimes about particular patients, can create awkwardness or conflict that disrupts the normally professional environment of a doctor’s office or emergency room,” the report says.

Patients expect empathy and insight. Changes in a physician’s approach due to mental struggles can lead to a lack of trust or a perceived lack of compassion. As a result, patients may leave negative reviews of their experience, driving other patients away.

Increased Risk of Error

The depersonalization of care that results from a physician’s mental health struggles can lead to adverse surgical outcomes.

iScribe Health also notes “The depersonalization dimension of physician burnout was associated with patient outcomes of lower satisfaction and longer post-discharge recovery time. It’s clear in this instance that the attitude of physicians goes a long way when treating patients.”

Take Care of Yourself

Physicians must take time for themselves to manage mental health and stressors. This includes exercise, therapy, and spending time with loved ones.

These proactive steps benefit physicians and patients while improving outcomes and patient satisfaction scores.

PE GI Solutions and SCA Health encourages all our physician partners to take time to manage their health to maintain a healthy mind and body.