The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the existing crisis of physician burnout, with lasting implications for health care access and quality. A recent survey showed 8% of physicians permanently closed down their offices in the last year due to financial and mental strain, resulting in potential gaps in coverage for patients. Around 71% of physicians reported exhaustion and burnout in 2020, up from an estimated 29%- 54% of health care workers in 2019. The pandemic has highlighted the critical need to reduce the stigma physicians encounter when seeking help and increase their access to mental health health services. In this webinar, we heard from health care leaders who are working to reduce burnout and address challenges related to the pandemic.
Speakers discussed: • Overview of physician burnout before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, how it impacts patient care and access, and how federal and health system leaders can improve clinician well-being • Why doctors are hitting their breaking point and what they are doing to help each other and promote a culture of wellness in the medical field • A statewide collaborative to support providers through rapid sharing of evidence-based science and funding support to build resilience during the pandemic