Physicians of today wear many hats in a job that has become increasingly complex and rigorous, and according to Jennifer Berliner, MD, director of physician well-being at Pittsburgh-based UPMC, adaptability is an essential skill to keep up with the continuously shifting landscape of healthcare.
Becker's connected with Dr. Berliner, to discuss how the last five years have made adaptability a key skill among physicians.
Question: How has the role of physician changed in the last five years?
Dr. Jennifer Berliner: The role of a physician has become more complex and demanding over the last five years, requiring adaptability and increased knowledge to keep up with advances in technology.
Shifts toward value-based care and patient-centered care increasingly require physicians to participate in care coordination, education, and be up-to-date with requirements to achieve specific key performance metrics.
With the focus on population health, physicians need to identify and address social determinants of health, manage chronic illnesses and promote public health initiatives.
The increasing administrative burden related to documentation, billing, compliance, and prior authorization for procedures presents additional challenges for physicians who wish to maintain a reasonable balance between their professional and personal lives. Physicians are now working with healthcare organizations to help navigate the increased financial constraints they are facing to ensure that solutions created ensure both financial success and are solutions that create manageable expectations.
Advancements in technology present both challenges and potential opportunities for physicians. The rapid integration of new technology in healthcare such as new electronic health records, telemedicine and remote patient monitoring require physicians to stay current and learn how to use these new technologies, while also expending more time to monitor the results and output from each of them. Advances in artificial intelligence create promise for physicians, such as ambient AI programs to help with patient note writing. While managing their workload, it is imperative that physicians and health systems be aware of the potential impact these factors have on provider well-being and that strategies are implemented to promote wellness, resilience and guard against burnout.