Clinician shortages and burnout are putting our health and lives at risk

PATIENTS’ CORNER: Healthcare has been in turmoil for years, but most of us don’t fully appreciate it until we land in the hospital and emergency room. The latest crises are doctor and nurse burnout and shortages, which are compromising patient safety and quality of care.

Clinician burnout is aggravating staff shortages and putting patients at risk

A recent systematic review of 85 studies involving nearly 300,000 nurses found that burnout was linked to more hospital infections, falls, medication errors, and lower patient satisfaction. And nurses are not alone—doctors report similar struggles, with frustrations and exhaustion affecting their ability to deliver the best care for their patients.

Most people outside of healthcare don’t recognize the risks clinician burnout pose to their health and lives. Doctors and nurses are tough professionals who are committed to their work and patients, so they soldier on despite bad working conditions. I noticed and experienced the impacts of burnout during several Emergency Room visits. To a trained observer, the signs were unmistakeable.

It’s going to take time to increase the number of doctors and nurses. Some medical and nursing schools are accelerating their graduation rates by reducing their curriculums from four to three years. Many doctors and nurses are sounding alarms that these shortcuts may put patients at risk. One thing is certain, we (patients) will be in the dark in an already uncertain environment.

These crises and their impacts on quality of care should prompt all of us to prepare, stay engaged, ask questions, and speak up. Being an active personal and family advocate is essential to getting the quality care we and our families need and deserve. Waiting until a health crisis strikes is less effective and will add more stress and risks to an already stressful, risky situation.

We will cover these and other crises and practical steps to reduce risks in our upcoming classes. There is no single solution. Please reach out and share your impressions. I value your views: ozzie@oprhealth.com