The healthcare industry faces many challenges—and the solutions are not always straightforward. Each month, Modern Healthcare asks leaders in the field to weigh in on their approach to industry conundrums.
Dr. Christopher Kang, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians, and Dr. James McCarthy, executive vice president and chief medical officer, Memorial Hermann Health System, discuss what is troubling clinicians. provide services in emergency departments.
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What do you see as the most important workforce issue in emergency medicine?
Dr. Christopher Kang: While we don’t necessarily have a shortage of emergency physicians, unfortunately, they currently rank as one of the [worst] especially for the burnout and unhappiness in their careers, mainly because of the working conditions they have to endure. One problem is the amount of tasks they are constantly assigned to — data entry, administrative work, logistics — instead of spending more time evaluating and communicating with patients.
Dr. James McCarthy: The medical staff was more stable than the nurse staff. … We have been facing tremendous challenges filling shifts for a while. We’ve gotten through a lot of that, but as a result there’s been a huge shift in nurses over the last three years. It’s a very different workforce than it used to be, and that shift creates unique challenges in terms of preserving our culture and processes.
Violence against healthcare workers has made headlines over the past few years. What is the current trend in ED?
Khang: The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the problem. We have seen a shift in perceptions about caregivers and healthcare delivery. In the past, hospitals were sanctuary and safe spaces; We have now seen a 50% to 75% increase in verbal and physical assaults against ED staff. … Part of the frustration is due to the long wait time for care, but also part of the lack of politeness.
McCarthy: I would say workplace violence is the number one concern of our employees. We hear this often when we’re around. Outbreaks of violence against our staff from patients and family members are higher than ever. … We have just completed a two-year review of our workplace violence protocols and are continuing to promote what we consider best practice, including de-escalation training for all employees. pellets.
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What is another ongoing problem in the nation’s emergency departments?
Khang: It’s an inpatient. This is a source of growing frustration and emotional trauma for all of the department’s employees, but it is also indicative of the problems we face with the entire service delivery system. health care service. These are patients who have been evaluated and diagnosed and are expected to be hospitalized or transferred, but are unlikely to receive them outside of the ED.
McCarthy: Burnout continues to be a challenge. … We launched a physician’s health initiative in which we have partners to help people lead healthier lives, providing them with the tools and resources they need to reduce weight loss. stress. We also tested the physician’s health index, a tool the Mayo Clinic has developed that allows doctors to answer questions and assess their risk of burnout in a very confidential manner.
