High levels of burnout experienced among South African anaesthetists in the public and private sector
FOREST TOWN – South African anaesthetists reported higher levels of extreme burnout than the global average.
As World Health Day is observed on 7 April, community members are encouraged to spare a thought for healthcare professionals who are often overworked and overlooked.
At a meeting in Forest Town with various media, the South African Society of Anaesthesiologists (Sasa) discussed the high levels of burnout experienced among anaesthetists working in South Africa in comparison to other countries.
Burnout is defined as a psychological condition that arises from chronic stress resulting in extreme exhaustion, cynicism and feelings of low personal accomplishment.
Professor Johan Coetzee of the University of Stellenbosch stated that according to a 2018 survey, 18 per cent of anaesthetists working in the public health sector and 7 per cent working in the private sector suffer from extreme burnout. The international average is 6.2 per cent.
According to anaesthetist in private practice Dr Caroline Lee, burnout is prevalent among doctors because they are altruistic, they prioritise patient needs above their own, the burdensome administrative tasks of the job are increasing, they experience conflict between patient needs and policymaker demands, they work long hours and their work is emotionally draining.
In countries including Sweden and Holland, clinical burnout is recognised as an illness and given government-funded support and sick leave in order to recover. This is not the case in South Africa.
“There needs to be a balance between patient needs, practitioner needs, and policy. If we don’t tackle this urgently, quality patient care may become unsustainable in the future. To achieve systemic wellness in the health sector, South Africa needs collaboration and culture change,” said Lee.
The society established a Wellness in Anaesthesia Support Group in 2015, making members aware of the dangers of burnout as well as upskilling doctors to take care of their own emotional, mental and physical health.
“The focus needs to go beyond individuals to effect fundamental systemic change,” said Lee.
The society is meeting with multiple stakeholders and collaborating with other groups to expand the support of doctors.
“It’s time to recognise that the health of healthcare providers is crucial. Everyone must invest in creating and maintaining a healthy, sustainable healthcare workforce,” said Lee.
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