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Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. It can affect anyone, regardless of their profession or personal situation. Recognizing the warning signs of burnout is crucial for taking proactive steps to address it before it leads to more severe health issues. This article will explore the key indicators of burnout and provide practical strategies for managing and preventing it. Physical Symptoms of Burnout Physical symptoms are often the first signs of burnout. These symptoms can manifest in various ways, including chronic fatigue, insomnia, headaches, and muscle tension. Persistent fatigue, even after a full night's sleep, is a significant red flag. This type of exhaustion can make daily tasks feel overwhelming and unmanageable. Insomnia, or difficulty sleeping, is another common physical symptom. Individuals experiencing burnout may find it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep, leading to a vicious cycle of fatigue and sleeplessness. Headaches and muscle tension, particularly in the neck and shoulders, are also prevalent. These symptoms are often caused by the body's prolonged stress response, which keeps muscles in a constant state of tension.

The mental health challenges faced by pharmacists are a significant concern that is frequently discussed within the industry today. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society's (RPS) fifth annual workforce wellbeing survey indicated that 86% of pharmacists are at a high risk of burnout. Key factors contributing to this burnout include inadequate staffing, poor work-life balance, and extended working hours. Mental Health UK also identifies burnout as one of the most pressing issues affecting modern workplaces. According to the charity's Burnout Report released in January 2024, 9 in 10 adults in the UK reported experiencing high or extreme stress in the past year. The charity warns that burnout may increase the risk of developing mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety, underscoring the need for serious attention. Today, on World Mental Health Day, we reflect on the theme, "It is time to prioritise mental health in the workplace."

Being burned out is living in a constant state of overwhelming exhaustion, whereas depression is defined by the inability to feel pleasure and dysphoric mood. But is burnout a syndrome in and of itself, or is it actually part of the pathology of a larger depression? Current research argues the latter. Read more: https://www.hospitalrecruiting.com/blog/8348/burnout-is-really-depression-in-disguise/?utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=social_posting #healthcare #burnout #worklifebalance #mentalhealth #depression

Ninety-six per cent of community pharmacists surveyed in the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) Workforce Wellbeing survey said they were at 'risk of burnout'. A higher number of respondents working in community pharmacy (20%) reported not being offered breaks compared to all other sectors (8%) and were more likely to experience verbal or physical abuse from patients and the public (69% vs an average 44%). The annual Workforce Wellbeing survey also revealed that 88 per cent of pharmacists surveyed are at high risk of burnout due to winter pressure. Therefore, RPS is calling for workforce planning for pharmacy to address skill mix and staffing levels so that workloads can be effectively managed. Top factors causing poor mental health and wellbeing revealed by the survey include inadequate staffing (70%), lack of work/life balance (53%), lack of protected learning time (48%) and lack of colleague/senior support (47%). This is the fourth survey RPS has run in partnership with the charity Pharmacist Support on the state of mental health and wellbeing in pharmacy. The findings demonstrate continued pressure on pharmacists and trainees across the workforce, especially in community pharmacy where 96% of those surveyed said they were at risk of burnout.

A new study from the University of Nottingham has highlighted the impact of Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) and information overload on employee mental health, linking these factors to increased burnout in the workplace. The research, conducted by the University's Schools of Psychology and Medicine and recently published in SAGE Open, surveyed 142 employees to explore the 'dark side' of digital working. It found that employees who are worried about missing out on important information and updates, as well as those overwhelmed by the constant flow of information, are more likely to suffer stress and burnout. Elizabeth Marsh, a PhD student from the School of Psychology, highlighted: "The digital workplace is now recognised as a key strategic asset in organisations that enables worker productivity and flexibility in context of hybrid working. However, the potential downsides in terms of worker well-being also need to be considered, especially given the proliferation of digital communication channels and tools since Covid." The study's findings support the team's previous research, which indicated employees who are more mindful in the digital workplace are better protected against stress, anxiety and overload. Traditionally, FoMO has been associated with social media. Now, this new research has shown its impact in the workplace.

Burnout is a serious problem afflicting not only attending physicians, but also medical trainees at all stages of the training process.

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has released findings from its fifth annual workforce wellbeing survey, which was conducted in collaboration with the profession's charity, Pharmacist Support. Exposing the mental health challenges faced by pharmacists, the survey revealed a troubling statistic: 86 per cent of pharmacists are at a high risk of burnout. Inadequate staffing was the main factor contributing to burnout, followed by lack of work-life balance, insufficient protected learning time, absence of colleague or senior support, and long working hours. While pharmacies are encouraged to provide more clinical services, more than 60 per cent of pharmacists surveyed reported that they were not being offered "sufficient protected learning time" to focus on their professional development and learning needs. The survey also exposed a distressing trend of workplace abuse, with over 40 per cent of pharmacists reporting verbal abuse from the public, and 25 per cent from colleagues or managers.

Doctors are highly driven professionals seeking exceptional care and service for their clients. Some doctors may have private practices, while others serve in different capacities in various healthcare institutions. Doctors are among the busiest professionals in the field and may also experience burnout if they're not careful. Fortunately, there's an alternative to such a scenario, and more and more healthcare professionals are looking into it. Locum tenens jobs are on the rise as doctors, and other health workers seek to take advantage of various benefits that can lead to a better career. While doctors hold down their private practice, they also work with other institutions and colleagues to provide expertise to patients in other locations. This can be rewarding as the doctors can improve their craft tremendously. Here are some reasons to consider if you wish to explore locum tenens posts. Better control and schedule flexibility While career stability is quite important for most doctors, it can be intense for some and lead to burnout. When taking a locum tenens position, a doctor will have the opportunity to explore other horizons that present themselves. They can see other patients and be exposed to scenarios that may not be present in their practice. Locum posts also allow you to set your schedule and be flexible with your working hours as necessary. It can lead to better performance and job satisfaction, too. Opportunity for better income Accepting a locum position may entail getting extra shifts at another hospital or clinic. It may also mean getting some time with patients during your off days. You can receive a significant bump to your income as you get to earn more aside from your regular salary. If you're looking to pay off student loans, build a college fund for your kids, or set up an account to buy a house, working with locum posts may be the key.

The consequences of NHS workforce crisis is not limited to general practice, community pharmacies are also suffering, commented Community Pharmacy England after the General Medical Council (GMC) published a report on Friday (23 June) which warned of the burnout in the workforce. The report calls for urgent actions to break a 'vicious cycle' of unmanageable workloads, dissatisfaction and burnout that is causing UK doctors to take steps to quit. Chief Executive Janet Morrison, said: "The GMC's report is yet another clear signal of the scale of the mounting the NHS workforce crisis, and this is not limited to general practice: community pharmacies are also suffering the consequences of it." "Pharmacy teams are overstretched, feeling immense pressures, and dealing with significantly increased workloads. Pharmacy owners are also finding it impossible to make ends meet, not least given the rising staffing costs which are being driven up by workforce issues. Findings show the number of doctors who reported working beyond their rostered hours on a weekly basis rose from 59% in 2021 to 70% in 2022, and 42% said they felt unable to cope with their workload each week (up from 30% in 2021). Just half said they were satisfied in their work, down from 70% in 2021.

An impossible task would be to find a physician who has never wished to rewind time, even if just for a brief moment long enough to make a different decision. Patients are increasingly complicated and decision making cumbersome and pressured by the scarcity of time. As a generality, physicians pride themselves on their decision-making prowess, but this same skill can be clouded by ego and error...

Nursing is a challenging field and will likely remain so for many years to come. If you're planning on staying in the field long-term, it's imperative that you perform self-care on a regular basis. Read this article for tips on recognizing and preventing work-related stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression.

Great article about physician burnout from one of our favorite authors Mitchel Schwindt, MD.

Community Pharmacy England (CPE) has published its latest Pharmacy Pressures Survey report, highlighting the impact of staffing shortages, underfunding, escalating workload pressures, and extreme stress and burnout. These pressures are affecting not only the personal and professional lives of pharmacy staff but also the quality of patient care. The Pressures Survey 2024: Staffing and Morale Report is based on the views of the owners of over 6,100 pharmacy premises in England and 2,000 pharmacy team members. In the survey, 86 per cent of pharmacy team members reported that staffing shortages have resulted in longer waiting times for patients, impacting timely access to medication and advice. Nearly two-thirds (62 per cent) of pharmacy staff indicated that staffing shortages have led to a reduced ability to offer services or advice to patients in need. Almost all pharmacy staff (92 per cent) stated that they were not coping well and were struggling with their workload.

Administrative bureaucracy has a tendency to crush the spirit of those working on the front lines. This article serves as a lament from one physician on the notion of merit badges, and mandated recertifications. Read More: https://www.hospitalrecruiting.com/blog/7360/merit-badges-and-early-retirement/

The ongoing pandemic has taken quite a toll beyond just physically. Mental exhaustion, burnout, and fatigue are only a few of the problems facing those working on the frontlines in the healthcare field. Here are 6 wellbeing tips to help remedy the problems faced by all those in the field.

I am an emergency physician. I provide care to abusive patients via a clunky EMR. I work nights, weekends and holidays. Because of unnecessary bureaucratic tasks, simple aspects of my job are cumbersome and take longer than they should.  And I am not burned out. ...

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has called for urgent action to ensure wellbeing of pharmacists after the publication of its annual workforce survey. The survey, conducted in partnership with the charity Pharmacist Support, revealed that 89 per cent of respondents were at high risk of burnout, showing ongoing high levels of workplace stress. It stated that 57 per cent of respondents reported often being unable to take a rest break or were not offered a break at all. Around 68 per cent noted weakening of their mental health and wellbeing due to work or study, and 33 per cent considered leaving the profession, indicating high percent levels of disaffection. Besides seeking urgent action to allow proper rest breaks for pharmacists, RPS has sought "governments, the NHS and employers to urgently address the workforce issues that are impacting pharmacists' wellbeing." It said prioritising essential work, effective workforce planning and better access to information is needed. Commenting on the survey report, RPS president Professor Claire Anderson said: "Our survey demonstrates the continued pressure on pharmacists and trainees across the workforce".

Setting a perfect work/life balance is impossible. Something has to give, and you will either be cheating your family or your job; being a doctor includes defending yourself, and standing up for your time. In this article Dr. Danielle Kelvas offers a few best-practice tips for stealing back your time. Read More: https://www.hospitalrecruiting.com/blog/8406/physician-work-life-balance-are-you-cheating-on-your-family-with-your-job/?utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=social_posting #physician #worklifebalance #healthyatwork #healthcare #doctor #burnout

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has called pharmacy employers and pharmacy trade unions to come together to a round table meeting to agree on principles for a way forward that ensures patients benefit consistently from access to high quality, adequately staffed, safe pharmacy services. It has also urged the governments, NHS organisations and individual pharmacy teams to define clear prioritisation plans, which can be embedded in organisational business continuity plans which set out the pharmacy services that are essential and must always be provided and can be de-prioritised at specific levels of pressures. The challenges for pharmacies are compounded by the escalating cost of living crisis. With unprecedented levels of burnout among pharmacists, pharmacy closures and the potential for strike action, RPS has called for three things- 'professionalism, respect and prioritisation.'