Helping Surgical Staff Avoid Burnout

Burnout can happen to anyone. 

Enough stress, without relief, over a long period of time can cause anyone to feel like they need a break. Even surgeons. Especially surgical staff. 

Burnout is a significant issue among healthcare workers, and, unfortunately, many decision-makers overestimate the satisfaction levels of their staff.

What is causing burnout in the healthcare sector, and what can be done to alleviate it? Because fixing it is the goal. For the good of healthcare workers — and for the good of patients. (Both of which impact the good of the bottom line.)

Keep reading to find solutions.

Common Causes of Burnout in Healthcare

Surgical staff face a variety of stressors that can lead to burnout. Some of the key factors include:

• High Workload and Long Hours: Surgeons, nurses, and other surgical staff often work long shifts, sometimes exceeding 12 hours, which can lead to physical and mental exhaustion. The intensity and unpredictability of surgical schedules, including emergency surgeries, add to this stress.

• Emotional Toll: Surgical staff frequently deal with life-and-death situations. The pressure of making quick, accurate decisions, especially during critical moments, can lead to emotional exhaustion. Staff may also experience stress from interactions with patients and families during difficult times.

• Exposure to Trauma: Constant exposure to traumatic injuries, death, and suffering can lead to compassion fatigue, where the ability to empathize with patients diminishes, adding to the staff’s emotional burden.

• Physical Demands: The physical nature of surgery, including standing for long periods, performing repetitive movements, and the need for fine motor skills, can contribute to physical strain and discomfort, which in turn can lead to stress.

• Complex and High-Risk Procedures: The complexity and risk involved in surgeries add another layer of stress. The fear of making mistakes or dealing with complications can weigh heavily on the minds of surgical staff.

• Interpersonal Dynamics: Working in a high-stakes, high-pressure environment can strain relationships among team members. Conflicts, miscommunication, or lack of support within the surgical team can increase stress levels.

• Work-Life Balance: The demanding nature of surgical work often makes it difficult for staff to maintain a healthy work-life balance. The lack of time for personal life, hobbies, and relaxation can contribute to burnout.

• Unpredictability and On-Call Duties: Being on call and the unpredictability of emergencies can disrupt personal plans and rest, leading to chronic stress and fatigue.

• Administrative and Regulatory Pressures: Surgical staff are often required to comply with a myriad of regulations, documentation, and administrative tasks, which can be time-consuming and stressful, especially when staff feel these tasks take time away from patient care.

• Resource Constraints: Limited resources, such as staffing shortages, inadequate equipment, or time pressures, can make it difficult to deliver optimal care, adding stress to surgical teams.

Understanding these stressors can help administrators develop targeted strategies to support their surgical staff and reduce the risk of burnout.

Do Healthcare Administrators Understand Staff Burnout?

In the recent publication Recognizing Burnout in Healthcare Staff and Ideas for Addressing It, results revealed that approximately 68% of staff members did not feel they had a fulfilling role, but this number was much lower for decision-makers (35%). 

Up to 43% of staff members said they were at least somewhat likely to switch jobs in the next 12 months compared to only 29% of decision-makers. And, up to 25% of staff reported they would consider leaving the healthcare industry altogether. 

Even though the numbers don’t lie, it seems there is a disconnect between how staff truly feel and how their employers think they feel. 

Decision-makers overestimated the job satisfaction of their staff, with 79% of them believing staff satisfaction was somewhat or very high, whereas only 60% of their staff reported that they were very or extremely satisfied with their job. 

This discrepancy may be due to biased perceptions based on the decision-makers’ own job satisfaction, as 83% of them reported feeling very or extremely satisfied with their job. In addition, only 26% of decision-makers felt undervalued, while nearly twice as many (47%) of staff members expressed that sentiment.

If change is going to happen, decision-makers must see the stress their staff is facing and commit to addressing the underlying causes. And, even if they don’t recognize their own stress on the job, there are ways to also help reduce burnout for healthcare administrators.

Administrative burdens, such as billing complexities and technological challenges, contribute significantly to burnout. Efforts to reduce this burden include streamlining documentation practices, utilizing technology effectively, and addressing billing complexities.

Strategies to Prevent Burnout Among Surgical Staff 

It’s one thing to recognize a problem, and another thing to fix it. Hospital administrators can implement several strategies to help surgical staff avoid burnout:

• Workload Management: Ensure that surgical staff have manageable workloads by optimizing scheduling, providing adequate breaks, and avoiding excessive overtime. This can be achieved through efficient staffing models and support from non-surgical team members.

• Mental Health Support: Offer access to mental health resources such as counseling, stress management workshops, and peer support programs. Creating an environment where staff feel comfortable discussing mental health can also reduce stigma.

• Professional Development: Provide opportunities for continuous learning and career growth. Engaging staff in ongoing education, skill-building, and leadership training can help them stay motivated and prevent feelings of stagnation.

• Positive Work Environment: Foster a supportive and collaborative work culture. Encourage teamwork, recognize achievements, and provide a platform for staff to voice concerns or suggestions.

• Physical Health Initiatives: Promote physical well-being by offering wellness programs, ergonomic workspaces, and access to fitness facilities. Ensuring staff can maintain a healthy work-life balance is crucial.

• Efficient Workflow Systems: Implement technologies and processes that streamline tasks and reduce administrative burdens. For example, adopting electronic health records (EHRs) that are user-friendly can save time and reduce frustration.

• Leadership and Communication: Encourage open communication between administrators and surgical staff. Regularly check in with teams to identify potential stressors early and address them promptly.

Read More: “Easy Ways to Make Providers and Patients Happier”

By taking a holistic approach that addresses both the professional and personal well-being of surgical staff, hospital administrators can help reduce burnout and improve overall job satisfaction.

Be a Champion of Care for Your Surgical Staff

By reducing patient transfers and streamlining workflows, Champion’s ergonomic and innovative procedure chairs like the TMM4 PLUS are an investment in your surgical staff. 

To view our entire portfolio of products, browse our digital catalog. Then, request a quote for your facility.