Burnout Among Orthopedic Surgeons Increases Risk of Medical Errors
2July2013
Burnout among doctors is a serious problem, because it increases fatigue, reduces motivation and morale, and raises the risk of medical errors. A new study finds that orthopedic surgeons may have a much higher risk of burnout than general surgeons.
The study, which was conducted by researchers at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, found that orthopedic surgeons have a risk of burnout that is twice as high as for general surgeons. The researchers found that burnout levels among orthopedic surgeons were in the 50% to 60% range. That is much higher than the burnout rate for general surgeons, which is in the range of 30% to 40%.
The role of burnout in medical errors should not be underestimated. Doctors who suffer from burnout are likely to feel physical exhaustion and may be unable to care for their patients adequately.
According to the researchers, doctors who have symptoms of burnout are much more likely to have poor judgment skills which can cause medical errors. They are also more likely to perceive patients as objects rather than human beings.
High caseloads did not necessarily cause burnout symptoms among orthopedic surgeons in the study, although overwork and stress play a major role in burnout among doctors. The researchers found that emotional factors increased the risk of burnout among orthopedic surgeons, such as a perception that their career was unrewarding and unfulfilling.
The medical malpractice lawyers at Morrow Kidman Tinker Macey-Cushman, PLLC represent victims of medical negligence by doctors, nurses, technicians, and other medical personnel in Seattle and across Washington.
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