The digital Rx for burnout: transforming health care through strategic technology

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Physician burnout remains a critical problem in health care, with nearly half of all physicians reporting symptoms of burnout in recent years. While there have been slight improvements, the challenges persist, particularly for primary care physicians. The American Medical Association (AMA) reported that in 2023, 48.2% of physicians experienced at least one symptom of burnout, while Doximity reported in 2022 that 86% of clinicians felt overworked. This persistent strain has driven many providers out of the profession, underscoring the urgent need for effective interventions. Enter: in-office engagement technology that drives greater efficiencies for physicians and the practice and deeper awareness and understanding for patients.

Reducing burnout

Sean Slovenski
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The primary causes of burnout among physicians include overwhelming administrative burdens and demanding clinical workloads. The tension in patient-provider relationships, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, reduced reimbursements from insurance companies, and the increasing demand for personalized, tailored care experiences from patients, all have further complicated the relationship.

These factors leave many physicians and clinicians feeling underappreciated and unsupported, leading to high stress and job dissatisfaction. Digital health solutions offer promising ways to alleviate some of those pressures by integrating technology in physician offices that can significantly reduce administrative burdens.

For example, at PatientPoint, we have developed products designed to streamline and enhance workflows. These innovations offer physicians tools to have more effective conversations with patients in the exam room, instantly connect patients with the support resources they need and more easily keep themselves (and their staff) up to date on relevant medical information, therapy updates and industry news. These digital tools improve the workplace experience and well-being of health care professionals, which, in turn, enhances the overall quality of care provided to patients.

Enhancing patient engagement

The ability of physicians and clinicians to adapt to changing patient needs while preserving the essential human connection that defines health care will always be at the center of patient care. By leveraging technology to enhance patient communication, education and engagement, providers can create experiences that benefit patients and improve outcomes.

Effective patient engagement strategies are also critical to addressing physician burnout. By using technology to provide patients with the information they need to make informed decisions at the point of care, physicians can foster a more collaborative and supportive environment. For example, the introduction of interactive screens in the exam room gives physicians a tool to help them better communicate and visually demonstrate important health information. Imagine a physician showing a patient exactly where and how a blockage occurred, or visually demostrating how a procedure can help alleviate symptoms. Now imagine that physician sending that content to the patient directly from the exam room along with relevant health education to consume following the appointment.

When patients are well-informed, they are more likely to follow treatment plans, reducing the frequency of follow-up visits and, potentially descreasing the workload of physicians.

The battle against burnout is not just a professional mission for many of us in the health care industry. It’s a personal one, too. To effectively combat burnout, it is essential to continue developing and implementing digital health solutions that address the specific needs of health care professionals by reducing administrative workloads and enhancing patient engagement and education.

Looking ahead, PatientPoint will be among those introducing new innovations that promise to address physician burnout even more effectively – solutions to further streamline administrative tasks, enhance patient-provider interactions and provide advanced support systems tailored to the evolving needs of health care professionals and patients. By continuing to prioritize the well-being of physicians, we can build a more resilient and sustainable health care system for the future.

Sean Slovenski is the president of PatientPoint®, a leading digital health company, with over 30 years of experience in health care, including leadership roles at notable companies like Humana and Mercy Health. Recognized as one of the most influential people in health care by Modern Healthcare, he has a proven track record of driving operational excellence and scaling high-growth businesses across the continuum of care.