Physician Engagement in Addressing Health-Related Social Needs and Burnout
Author Information
Author(s): Tabata-Kelly Masami MBA MA, Hu Xiaochu PhD, Dill Michael J. MA, Alberti Philip M. PhD, Bullock Karen PhD LICSW APHSW-C, Crown William PhD, Fair Malika MD MPH, May Peter PhD, Ortega Pilar MD, Perloff Jennifer PhD
Primary Institution: The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University
Hypothesis
What are the characteristics of physicians’ engagement in addressing health-related social needs (HRSNs), and is this engagement associated with burnout?
Conclusion
Higher engagement in addressing health-related social needs is associated with a greater likelihood of burnout among physicians.
Supporting Evidence
- 34.3% of physicians reported high engagement in addressing health-related social needs.
- Higher engagement levels were associated with higher burnout rates.
- Physicians aged 40 or younger had the highest engagement in addressing health-related social needs.
- Women and transgender women reported higher engagement compared to men.
- Physicians in emergency medicine reported the highest engagement levels.
Takeaway
The study found that many doctors spend time helping patients with social issues, but doing so can make them feel more burned out.
Methodology
This cross-sectional study used the 2022 Association of American Medical Colleges National Sample Survey of Physicians to analyze physician engagement in addressing HRSNs and its association with burnout.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in self-reported data regarding engagement in addressing HRSNs.
Limitations
The study's cross-sectional design limits causal inferences, and burnout was measured using a single item, which may not fully capture its complexity.
Participant Demographics
The mean age of participants was 50.9 years, with 68.6% identifying as men or transgender men, and 30.8% as women or transgender women.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P < .001
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 1.39-2.27
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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