Study: Physician burnout ups risk of patient safety incidents, clinical issues

Editor's Note

Physician burnout was linked to a higher risk of patient safety incidents, lower patient satisfaction, and poorer care in this study.

This meta-analysis of 47 studies involving more than 40,000 physicians, found that physician burnout was associated with double the odds for involvement in patient safety incidents and poor quality of care because of unprofessional behaviors. The researchers also found that patient satisfaction was three times more likely to be lower when physicians were physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausted, core signs of burnout.

The association between burnout and low professionalism was higher in residents and early-career physicians than in middle- and late-career physicians.

Investments in organizational strategies to jointly monitor and improve physician wellness and patient care outcomes are needed, the researchers concluded.