Excessive bureaucratic tasks are the most prominent cause of physician burnout, according to a recent survey by Medscape.
The "Physician Burnout & Depression Report" for 2024, released Jan. 24, surveyed 9,226 physicians from July 5 to Oct. 9 across more than 29 specialties who indicated they experience burnout about how long they have felt persistently burnt out.
Here are the parts of being a physician contributing most to burnout among providers, based on popularity of each selection from a provided list (Note: Respondents could choose more than one option):
1. Too many bureaucratic tasks (e.g. charting, paperwork): 62%
2. Too many hours at work: 41%
3. Lack of respect from administrators/employers, colleagues or staff: 40%
4. Insufficient compensation: 38%
5. Lack of control/autonomy: 32%
6. Computerization of practice (EHRs): 24%
7. Lack of respect from patients: 22%
8. Government regulations: 13%
9. Other: 9%