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Podcast Recap | Annals on Call: Lack of control and physician burnout

April 3, 2025

In this episode of Annals On Call, Dr. Bob Centor discusses the critical issue of physician burnout with Dr. Christine Sinsky, lead author of "Association of Work Control With Burnout and Career Intentions Among U.S. Physicians," published in Annals of Internal Medicine. Sinsky and her colleagues found that poor control over patient load and workload management independently correlated with intentions to reduce clinical hours or leave practice altogether. Here, Centor and Sinsky explore how lack of control in the workplace contributes to burnout and offer insights into potential solutions.

Podcast length: 22 minutes

5 key takeaways

1. Impact of autonomy: “When physicians feel they have control over their work, their sense of professional fulfillment increases dramatically,” said Sinsky. Physicians experiencing a lack of control over their work environment and schedules are at a higher risk of burnout. Enhancing autonomy through measures such as flexible scheduling and shared decision-making can significantly improve job satisfaction and reduce burnout rates.
2. Administrative burden: Excessive administrative tasks, including documentation and bureaucratic processes, are major contributors to burnout. Streamlining these tasks through the use of technology and reducing unnecessary paperwork can alleviate some of this burden. "Reducing the administrative load allows physicians to focus more on patient care, which is why they entered the profession in the first place," explained Sinsky.
3. Support systems: Implementing robust support systems, including mental health resources, peer support groups, and wellness programs, is essential for mitigating burnout. These systems provide physicians with the necessary tools and support to manage stress effectively.
4. Work-life balance: Promoting a healthy work-life balance through initiatives such as flexible scheduling, adequate time off, and wellness programs can help physicians manage stress and prevent burnout. Encouraging physicians to take regular breaks and vacations is also crucial.
5. Organizational Change: Sinsky found that poor control over patient load and workload management independently correlated with intentions to reduce clinical hours or leave practice altogether. Systemic changes at the organizational level, such as fostering a supportive culture, addressing workload issues, and providing leadership training, are crucial for long-term solutions to physician burnout.

Any views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast recap are solely that of the hosts and guest and do not reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of epocrates and athenahealth.

Source:

Cantor, B. (Host). (2025, March 4). Annals on Call. Lack of Control and Physician Burnout. [Podcast]. https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/ANNALS-25-00931-OC