Burnout: several recognise it, many complain about it, but how do we actually improve it?

The article in Frontline Gastroenterology titled “When burn-out reaches a pandemic level in gastroenterology: a call for a more sustainable work-life balance” by Duong et al. delves into such a problem and provides five simple solutions that we can all incorporate into our practice [1]. Whilst organisational change will have a powerful impact on work-life balance, these simple individual solutions we all can start doing today.

    1. Avoid isolation

     2. Become fiscally and environmentally sustainable

     3. Optomise time management

     4. Seek professional coaching and counselling

     5. Incorporate daily self-care

The last year of uncertainty, lockdowns and secondments has affected all of us and impacted how we interact with patients and family, and friends. What steps can you incorporate into your practice?

References

1. Duong N, Bollipo S, Repaka A, et al. When burn-out reaches a pandemic level in gastroenterology: a call for a more sustainable work–life balance.  Frontline Gastroenterology Published Online First: 16 March 2021. doi: 10.1136/flgastro-2020-101725