Date of Award
Summer 6-29-2021
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Abstract
There has been an alarming increase in the levels of moral injury and burn out among physicians. This, compounded with a significant estimated shortage of physicians within the next decade, is now a public health crisis. A recent study conducted by Medscape of over 12,000 physicians reviewed the different etiologies to burnout and access to treatment, but it was limited in exploring the effectiveness of the treatments available. Other studies have suggested a possible correlation with burnout and physician retention, but many of the studies only inquired about thoughts of leaving practice, instead of assessing the physicians that have actually left. This study was designed to assess the current availability and effectiveness of burnout treatments and to investigate a possible correlation of moral injury and burnout on physician retention. Over 500 physicians were surveyed, and quantitative and qualitative data were gathered. The results highlight the importance of offering more screening and effective treatment modalities to physicians to reduce the frequency of burnout and moral injury. If our country is going to retain its physician work force to take care of its citizens, addressing physician burnout and moral injury is essential.
Recommended Citation
Devera,, Diana D.O., "Addressing Physician Burnout and Moral Injury to Improve Physician Retention in the United States: Perceptions of Physicians" (2021). EMPA Capstones. 64.
https://digitalcommons.law.ggu.edu/capstones/64