Doctor burnout a concern: Saskatchewan Medical Association

Many doctors in the province are approaching burnout according to a new survey by the Saskatchewan Medical Association (SMA).

The SMA surveyed 650 doctors on a number of issues, but one finding the association found troubling is how many doctors said they are at risk of burnout.

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Half of the specialists, and two out of three general practitioners, said burnout is a very real possibility.

Dr. Ashish Paul is a general practitioner at Broad Street Clinic in Regina. He said the clinic expects nearly 300 patients daily and he can easily work 12 hours a day.

“Sometimes I feel that burnout, yes definitely. When there is a shortage of doctors at the clinic… we work from morning from eight to eight,” Paul said.

“Burnout means you’re getting exhausted, sometimes your concentration is coming down. You have no times to play with your kids, your children, and you go to bed directly,” he explained.

“The data we gathered here would seem to confirm that we have a large number of physicians who are managing, but are signalling a very high level of stress,” SMA president Dr. Intheran Pillay said.

“Many physicians recognize this problem and are ready to work on solutions that will lessen the rate of burnout within their profession.”

The survey also found that most physicians believe they have the ability to help lead and redesign a health system that is more accountable.

“Over the last year our members told us very clearly that a fragmented health system was diminishing patient care and wasting resources,” Pillay said.

“We are keen to continue talking with our colleagues about these issues, and are looking to work with the Ministry of Health, and other key health-care stakeholders, on how we can build a better, more integrated health system for the people of Saskatchewan.”

Doctors said their profession also needs to better promote reporting on how the health care system is performing.

The SMA said they will now engage doctors in more discussion about the survey results and how to go forward on the issues that were identified.

For Paul, the pressures of the job are still very manageable, but he does have his limits.

“My conscience is still there, good. If I feel that it affects patient care, I will cut down, but until now, I don’t see anything,” he explained.

“We are coming here for the patients care. So I am always thinking of the patient first, then myself.”