Physicians have a very demanding job, which involves caring for others and providing critical medical advice to their patients. Sometimes, physicians provide insufficient advice or misdiagnose patients, which can lead to negligence claims. One contributing factor is physician burnout. Burnout can be defined as a physical or mental collapse attributed to overwork and stress.
Recently, a study conducted by Mayo Clinic sought to examine the correlation between physician burnout and medical mistakes. Of the 6,695 licensed physicians who responded to the survey, many reported concerning information indicating signs of burnout that led to decreased focus on their patients. According to the study, 3,574 (54.3%) of those physicians reported symptoms of burnout, including excessive fatigue, suicidal thoughts or actions, and poor or failing patient safety grades in their primary work area.
Surprisingly, 691 physicians reported a major medical error in the three months leading up to the study. The descriptions of the most recent errors included:
- Errors in judgment;
- Misdiagnosis;
- Technical mistakes during a procedure;
- Prescribing the wrong drug or dosage;
- Ordering medication or an intervention for the wrong patient, among others.
While some of the mistakes had no effect on patient outcomes, others resulted in injuries ranging from minor to major and temporary to permanent. Some of the mistakes proved fatal, resulting in 30 patient deaths during the three-month period.
The study suggests there is an increased need for rapid change, including “interventions to improve unit-level patient safety infrastructure, as well as system-level interventions combating physician burnout and promoting well-being.” The potential impact of burnout on the healthcare industry is significant. Increased reports of burnout could discourage aspiring healthcare professionals from entering medical school, contributing to the growing physician shortage, which is expected to reach 100,000 by 2030.
While physician burnout is detrimental to physicians themselves, it is also dangerous for their patients. If you or a loved one has been affected by a doctor’s misdiagnosis or another medical error, it is important to contact a skilled New York personal injury attorney. The experienced attorneys at Goldberg Sager & Associates are knowledgeable in handling personal injury cases involving negligence and are dedicated to helping clients achieve the best possible outcome. Contact the attorneys at Goldberg Sager & Associates at 718-645-6677 for a free phone consultation or fill out our contact form.
