Physician Burnout Rates Improved for First Time Since COVID

new survey from the American Medical Association of more than 12,400 physicians found that physician burnout rates dropped below 50% for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began. With burnout being a major contributor to physicians and other members of the healthcare workforce exiting the field, it’s important to continue supporting efforts that will further reduce burnout levels. 

Key Takeaways:

  • Roughly 48% of physicians surveyed reported feeling burnout last year, which is down from 53% in 2022, and the record-high of 63% in 2021. 
  • Job satisfaction also improved rising to 72.1% in 2023 from 68% in 2022. 
  • Physicians also reported feeling less stressed at work – down about 5%. Not having enough physicians and support staff continues to be a source of that stress with an ongoing need for more nurses, medical assistants, or documentation assistance to reduce physician workload. 
  • Physicians feel more valued, up to 50.4% in 2023, which contributes to their intent to leave their current role in two years, 

While it’s promising that burnout levels are beginning to move in the right direction, there is still a lot of work that must be done to support the healthcare workforce. The Healthcare Workforce Coalition calls on Congress to pass the Reauthorization of the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (H.R. 7153/S. 3679), which would continue and expand grants to other hospitals and over 200,000 other types of healthcare settings so they can implement evidence-informed strategies to prevent suicide, burnout, mental health conditions, and substance use disorders. This important legislation will go a long way in continuing the fight against burnout among healthcare workers.