Preventing Burnout & Promoting Provider Well-Being
Healthcare providers play a vital role in keeping the world running. Because of the strenuous and demanding nature of their careers, they are especially susceptible to becoming overwhelmed. In the college and university setting especially, this fatigue can even teeter on the edge of burnout. Even the National Library of Medicine mentions that burnout in the healthcare setting can leave a detrimental impact on providers, patients, and the institution itself. Taking the right measures to ensure your staff’s well-being can help offset these risks.
There are several strategies that clinics can implement to prevent and combat provider and staff burnout:
Foster Positive Work Environments
Healthcare providers thrive in environments that support ethical and meaningful practice. Creating a more favorable healthcare work environment can be achieved by maintaining a clean and orderly office, promoting efficient communication among employees, and expressing gratitude towards staff members.
Keeping an organized office helps providers with doing their jobs more efficiently. If things are in their respective places, providers know exactly where to go to access what they’re looking for. This is not just for physical items; this also pertains to an organized computer system and intuitive EHR software. Keeping a clean and tidy workplace is extremely beneficial for mental health. Working in a cluttered space, whether physical or digital, may contribute to increased anxiety and stress levels which can significantly increase burnout.
Another way that healthcare facilities can promote a positive work environment is by promoting effective employee communication. Effective communication plays a crucial role in helping keep a clinic running smoothly, whether it pertains to appointments, patient information, prescriptions, or other aspects of workflow.
Furthermore, employees feel much more valued when they are regularly acknowledged for their efforts. Ensuring that employees feel appreciated can lead to heightened productivity, stronger team culture, and enhanced workplace satisfaction. By providing reassurance and positive reinforcement to providers, leaders can significantly enhance the overall staff experience.
Offer Technological Solutions
Inadequate technological solutions in the workplace can contribute to provider burnout. If your clinic doesn’t utilize efficient technological solutions for everyday tasks such as appointment management and updating patients’ records, this will negatively affect productivity and workflow. Providers may be spending unnecessary time on tasks that could be done much more quickly with proper software in place. Investing in an EHR system can help improve office productivity and reduce frustration.
An EHR system can substantially increase staff productivity by streamlining administrative tasks. Rather than having multiple programs or paper methods, keeping patient information in a centralized software system can help with organization and security. Moreover, providers will have an easier time charting and updating patient information. Plus, front office staff will benefit from streamlined scheduling and check-in tools.
Because clinical staff can be more efficient when they have access to intuitive and effective tools, this will make it easier for clinics to keep up with the increased demand for services. Providers will also be able to focus more of their attention on actual patient care, rather than having to worry about documenting visits on paper, making sure their notes are accurate, and ensuring that the information is legible. Imagine the time saved if providers could swiftly input information with just a click of a button and a few keyboard strokes.
Offer Options for Flexible Work Environments
Offering flexible work environments can also prevent provider burnout. For instance, allowing staff to work remotely at times and take telehealth appointments can result in providers feeling more in control of their environment and schedule. Another way to promote a flexible work environment is to leverage per diem staff members who can help as needed. Some providers may find that they are more productive and less stressed when they have flexible schedule options and are confident that someone will be able to step in when necessary.
Offering alternate shift lengths can also prevent provider burnout. Having a strict, lengthy schedule can lead to providers feeling worn out and may result in decreased work motivation and satisfaction. Offering providers to have a say in their schedules can be extremely beneficial to their well-being. For instance, according to an article published by the National Library of Medicine, 8-hour shifts are preferred over 10 and 12-hour shifts. Many times, healthcare providers are working longer than 8-hour shifts, so it is crucial to have enough staff available when necessary.
Caring for those providing care is crucial. Provider burnout can result in several adverse effects, including fewer patients being seen, reduced quality of care, and high rates of turnover, all of which are costly for your clinic in different ways. Fostering a positive work environment, offering technological solutions, and offering flexible work options can help alleviate the challenges associated with provider burnout.