Gaps among Physicians and Workplace SOCW 675

Gaps among Physicians and Workplace SOCW 675

Department of Social Work, George Mason University

SOCW 675

Professor George Dupuy

September 12, 2021

Physicians are an invaluable resource for our healthcare system as they care for people with health problems, often at the most vulnerable times in their lives (Cheung, 2015). However, many physicians suffer silently. Understanding the prevalence of exposure to behavioral health problems among physicians, the variables that may increase their risk, and potential protective factors can provide insight for policymakers, healthcare organizations, and leaders to implement initiatives. Mental health and behavioral health are often used interchangeably, even though they have distinct meanings. For example, according to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, mental health “includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being.” In contrast, physical health “includes our physical well-being.” We are less capable of thinking, feeling, and acting as a result of this condition.

The physicians cope with stress, interact with others, and make choices are all affected by this factor.” In the United States, there has only been a minimal study done on physicians and behavioral health problems, which is a shame (Duan-Porter, 2018). However, according to one national survey, 41 percent of doctors admitted to having poor mental health, 33 percent tested positive for depression, 52 percent tested positive for anxiety, and 39 percent admitted to having a high degree of stress. According to several studies done in various countries, the same may be said for doctors at greater risk than the general population of having a mental health issue or being fired from their jobs.

Among the areas where health care is deficient are primary care, mental and behavioral health, dentistry, other specialties, and geographic and demographic names and names of regions and populations. In addition, increased funding for the National Service Corps should help address shortages in these areas, and reimbursement systems for scholarships and loans should be implemented to aid in the recruitment and retention of a health workforce (Cares, 2015). The Department of Health and Human Services should support programs that promote low-income, rural, and minority students to seek professions in health care. Examples include the Health Career Opportunities Programs and Centers of Excellence, sponsored by the department (BLS, 2016). A more varied workforce in the healthcare professionals would also aid in the reduction of health inequalities caused by socio-economic, regional, racial, and ethnic variables in the population.

Behavioral health problems are common among physicians, and they have many of the same risk factors as the general population. These include a family history of mental illness, a history of trauma, and a sense of being overworked and pressured (American Nurses Association, 2016). Stress in the nursing industry has also been recognized as a significant factor in behavioral health issues, similar to those experienced by individuals in other professions. On the other hand, physicians face various stresses that are specific to their field of practice in healthcare (SAMSHA, 2019). Excessive workload, rotating shifts, overtime, floating between different units, dealing with death and dying regularly, and unpredictable work tempo, demands beyond the area of practice. The emotional labor burden is just a few of the issues that may arise.

Various characteristics of physicians appear to be protective in off-setting the development of behavioral health disorders. Self-efficacy towards work performance and resourcefulness are both negatively correlated with symptoms of depression (Bertussi, 2018). Higher job satisfaction is the best protective factor against depressive symptoms in physicians. Additionally, meditation, physical exercise, yoga, and eating regular meals positively influence physicians’ mental health.

Education for frontline leaders is a crucial component to improving the well-being of nurses. Nursing leaders and hospital administrators must be aware that nurses are at higher risk for developing a behavioral health problem than the general public and that certain variables may further increase that risk. Education for nursing and healthcare executives and managers on risk factors, early identification of signs and symptoms of behavioral health problems, alternative disciplinary programs, creating a culture of support and transparency, and training on effective and compassionate ways to work with nurses affected by a behavioral health problem.

Lack of attention to nurses’ mental health and well-being may place patients at risk for adverse outcomes, result in more medical errors, and increase organizational costs (Thornsberry, 2019). More research is needed in the United States to identify variables that may increase nurses’ risks for developing behavioral health problems and behaviors and characteristics that protect and promote mental health and well-being. In addition, future studies may focus on developing a standardized behavioral health screening tool specifically for nurses.

Studies to determine the effectiveness of educational programs for healthcare administrators and managers on early identification of behavioral health problems, creating a transparent and supportive environment, and non-punitive interventions for the nursing workforce are also needed. Such studies may be critical in informing and guiding practice, policy, and research that addresses behavioral health challenges among the nursing workforce (SAMSHA, 2019). The behavioral health of nurses is not a topic we can continue to ignore and maintain a do not ask, do not tell mentality. Nurses are a resource that healthcare in the United States cannot afford to lose, and it is the responsibility of individuals, academia, peers, organizational leaders, and policymakers to do their part in protecting those who have dedicated their lives to caring for others.

References

American Nurses Association (2016). Position statements on abuse of prescription drugs and random health care worker drug testing. Retrieved from http:// www.nursingworld.org.

Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2016). Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2016.

Bertussi, V.C., Aparecida de Barrros Junqueira, M., Giuliani, C.D., Calcado, R.M., Miranda, F.J., dos Santos, M.A., & Pillon, S.C. (2018). Psychoactive Substances and Mental Health in Nursing Professionals of the Family Health Strategy Program. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.5216/ree.v20.47820

Cares, A., Pace, E., Denious, J., & Crane, L.A. (2015). Substance Use and Mental Illness Among Nurses: Workplace Warning Signs and Barriers to Seeking Assistance, Substance Abuse, 36(1): 59-66, DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2014.933725

Cheung, T. & Yip, P.S.F. (2015). Depression, Anxiety, and Symptoms of Stress Among Hong Kong Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 12: 11072-11100

Duan-Porter, W., Hatch, D., Pendergast, J.F., Freude, G., Rose, U., Burr, H., Muller, G., Martus, P., Pohrt, A., & Potter, G. (2018). 12-month Trajectories of Depressive Symptoms Among Nurses: Contribution of Personality, Job Characteristics, Coping and Burnout. Journal of Affective Disorders. 234: 67-83

Thornsberry, F. A. (2019). Are Nurses High Risk for Experience with Behavioral Health Problems?

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2019). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (HHS Publication No. PEP19-5068, NSDUH Series H-54). Rockville, MD: Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/data/

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2019). Screening Tools. Retrieved from https://www.integration.samhsa.gov/clinical-practice/screening-tools

Gaps among Physicians and Workplace SOCW 675