Burnout in Emergency Medicine Physician Assistants

Authors

Philip DaVisio, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Emergency Medicine

Advisor

Dr Nancy Reid

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to discuss the factors that precipitate provider burnout in emergency medicine and look at the impact of this from both operational and patient perspectives, and suggest approaches that may mitigate against this. Few studies address PA burnout in emergency medicine. There was far more data addressing physician and resident burnout. An extensive systematic review looked at over thirty studies addressing various facets of physician assistant burnout across specialties. The studies were subclassified to look at burnout symptoms and job satisfaction. The results varied from study to study, driven by inconsistent and variable assessment tools and inconsistencies in endpoints. From the standpoint of management, a traditional corporate wellness initiative is not as effective in emergency medicine. However, multiple assessment tools were utilized, and several factors identified that could serve to mitigate against burnout, i.e., increase work environment control, self-trust, and managing self reactiveness. Comparative to physician and nursing counterparts, there is less literature devoted to this topic, although there exists a strong correlation between burnout and the practice environment. Management strategies for this need to be multimodal, addressing the inherent stress of the work environment and the emergency medicine provider's needs. Ultimately this would lead to retention of providers and overall operational improvement.

Recommended Citation

DaVisio P. Burnout in Emergency Medicine Physician Assistants. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2021; 3(1).