Burnout. If you’re in healthcare, you’re undoubtedly familiar with the term. Healthcare regulations and policies have transformed the day-to-day work of US physicians. According to the American Medical Association, most full-time hospital physicians work between 40 and 60 hours weekly. Approximately one-fourth of doctors work between 61 and 80 hours each week.
The prevalence of physician distress has been well documented in recent years, with recent national data suggesting that 62% of US physicians experience burnout. While many factors contribute to burnout, it has little to do with providing patient care. Instead, the burnout epidemic is often associated with system inefficiencies, administrative burdens, increased regulations, and technology requirements.
Burnout has caught the attention of Congress in the newly enacted Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act, long advocated for by the AMA. The bill states that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must award grants to hospitals, medical professional associations, and other healthcare entities for programs to promote mental health and resiliency among healthcare providers. In addition, HHS may award grants for relevant mental and behavioral health training for healthcare students, residents, or professionals.
Even with this bill, the task of finding a work/life balance and avoiding the burnout associated with providing healthcare falls to each individual. In fact, many people are abandoning the idea of an equitable split between home and work. Instead, healthcare workers are seeking ways to add more flexibility into their careers so it’s easier to find the time for non-work activities.
While it’s old news that the pandemic exacerbated physician burnout, there is a bright side in that it accelerated the growth of flexible staffing models, which contribute to higher physician satisfaction and healthier outcomes for healthcare systems.
The Many Facets of Flexibility
Flextime was first offered to white-collar workers. They could come in earlier and leave earlier, stack their hours to take 3-day weekends or work an extra hour to make up for leaving early for an appointment or event.
By and large, hospitals and healthcare settings have not scheduled employees in this manner. 24/7/265 care does not allow for staff to leave an hour early to catch their child’s game or recital, and this imbalance of work-life balance contributes to stress, anxiety, and possibly leaving the profession.
Therefore, healthcare flexing looks different in a healthcare setting in the guise of remote work. Sophisticated telehealth equipment and software allow providers and patients to communicate remotely. Introducing AI into routine tasks has also decreased the administrative portion of acute care providers, meaning that time-consuming tasks such as charting and notes can be completed faster, and from home instead of the hospital or office.
Considering a Flexible Job in Healthcare?
When seeking flexibility in healthcare, it’s essential to consider several factors:
- Healthcare Settings: Different healthcare settings offer varying degrees of flexibility. Hospitals may offer more structured schedules, while private practices or telemedicine roles may be more accommodating.
- Team-Based Culture: Effective teamwork can enhance work-life balance and support a flexible schedule. At Adfinitas Health, our leadership understands the importance of creating and nurturing a positive team culture that supports its providers and partner hospitals while offering best-in-class clinical care to every patient.
- Leadership and Management: Supportive and flexible leadership can significantly impact your work experience. Adfinitas is physician-led, so we understand the importance of leadership and teamwork in providing exceptional clinical care.
It may be difficult to find organizations that offer flexibility. That’s where Adfinitas Health comes in. If you’re seeking a flexible position in healthcare, talk with us. Adfinitas Health is a leading employer for medical professionals and corporate staff. We foster a caring, employee-centered environment where we ensure partners, coworkers, and supervisors respect, appreciate, and value each team member at Adfinitas Health.
Flexibility in healthcare is not a one-dimensional concept. It means different things to different people, but its importance cannot be overstated. As providers, new doctors, and residents, prioritizing flexibility can lead to a more rewarding and sustainable career.
Explore opportunities online or contact us today.