Burnout is a loss of enthusiasm and emotional and physical energy, a low sense of personal accomplishments, and feelings of depersonalization. Causes of burnout may originate outside of work but affect work, or work may be the sole factor for stress but impact personal wellbeing.
A 2021 report by Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology showed that while over 50% of healthcare workers experience burnout, radiologists are at even higher risk, with 71% of surveyed radiologists reporting stress in the workplace.
Over forty years ago, psychologist Herbert Freudenberger studied the symptoms of work exhaustion, chronic fatigue, and substance abuse. He also coined the phrase “burnout.” Along with colleague Gail North, Freudenberger described the twelve phases of burnout widely adapted by psychologists and recognized in today’s workforce.
Signs of burnout
Work exhaustion is a mental health concern, and Freudenberger’s stages of burnout apply to healthcare as well. However, minimizing the impact of burnout in radiology requires streamlining workflow processes to help with staff burnout prevention without sacrificing patient volumes.
Radiologists experience high rates of burnout. Dividing out cases not in their specialty, including many non-essential administrative tasks, and limiting on-call shifts can help reduce their stress. In addition, being prepared to alter radiology workflow improves efficiency and allows for last-minute changes. Finally, utilizing pro re nata (when needed) people helps prevent the need to cancel patient appointments when short-staffed, improves patient satisfaction, and doesn’t overwork regular employees.
Radiology software is like a cyber-hero for staff burnout prevention. It can automate many manual tasks, improve productivity, and reduce stress. IT systems such as PACS and RIS provide speed, accuracy, automation, and data within minutes. Nova RIS enables end-users to work harmoniously with their environment by helping schedule exams and sending automated patient reminders and fax, email, or text reports to doctors. Utilizing QR codes, CryptoChart gives patients access to their reports and images without the need for passwords and CDs. Fewer phone calls from patients lighten the workload on staff and minimize their tension. NovaPACS offers all-in-one workstations for radiologists to read across various platforms and remotely, giving them mobility and freedom.
Burnout can happen rapidly, so employers should look for signs of work fatigue, identify the cause, and formulate a solution with employees. For example, management can offer gym memberships and lunchtime massages and ensure that staff members get their breaks. In addition, counseling should be available to help with mental well-being. Businesses should offer support and strive to foster a safe environment for staff to talk without repercussions. Most of all, management and coworkers must listen to each other.
Everyone has a career that gives them the blues at some point. In healthcare, doctors and highly skilled people are in shortage, and facilities can ill-afford to lose them. Therefore, addressing and preventing burnout is critical in retaining staff and operating a thriving imaging center.
Here at Novarad, we believe that the key to a successful imaging center is to work smarter, not harder, to deliver the type of care and outcomes that patients desire.
To see how we can help improve your workflows, feel free to reach out to our workflow specialists today!