Putting the “Heal” back into Health
Written by: Ayanna Telfort, EVP Director of Client Services
Decades ago, being a doctor was equivalent to being a superhero. Doctors were idolized by their communities, and many people aspired to hold similar roles and titles. Fast-forward to 2021, when the high esteem in which many have held this profession has slowly faded. This is not the fault of the dedicated health care providers (HCPs), but of the broken healthcare system that has left them unaided.
American Medical Association data show that more than 45% of doctors in the United States experienced burnout in 2011. According to InCrowd, that number rose to 79% among PCPs, and 68% across all healthcare specialties, in 2019. Not only is the mental health of HCPs at risk, but so is their patients’ well-being. Stanford Medicine researchers found that doctors struggling with burnout were more than twice as likely to commit a medical error—and medical errors have been linked to more than 250,000 patient deaths a year. HCP burnout also carries a steep price tag, costing the healthcare industry nearly $5B a year based on lapses in professionalism, impeded learning, problematic substance abuse, and reduced productivity. Professions in medicine that were once envied by many are now careers that physicians themselves would no longer recommend to their children—and we must ask ourselves, “How did we get here?”
Many advocates in the space contend that HCPs are routinely forced to ignore the emotional toll their profession exacts. In the NPR article “When Doctors Struggle With Suicide, Their Profession Often Fails Them,” Dr. Pamela Wible contends that many times, the rules of the profession deter physicians from seeking the counseling that they may need. Wible says that doctors may risk their medical licenses by seeking psychiatric treatment. This has sadly contributed to an average of 300 to 400 suicides in physicians and medical residents each year. This reality cannot be left unchecked by anyone.
As an industry, we in healthcare communications must become a force for change. We may not have all the answers, but we do have the power to make a difference. It’s time to change the narrative. Below are a few actions we can start with on our journey to relieve the burden HCPs face and stand as true advocates for HCPs:
Build awareness. With increased mental health awareness comes more support and care for those who need it
Provide navigational advice to aid HCPs in how to master the latest tech trends so that they have resources and not additional burdens
Encourage clients to deliver communications that inspire HCPs who struggle to make sense of what resources they have, let alone more resources that don’t drive towards real change
Celebrate science, medicine, and the professionals who dedicate their lives to this space. We must continue to uplift HCPs for their impact and their commitment to fostering life-saving efforts, and re-instill the sense of pride clinicians once felt about their roles.
At Razorfish Health, we understand that the future of healthcare has no place for antiquated typecasts of HCPs. As we honor Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States, we aim to spotlight the importance of mental health and wellness for all. If you want to fuel your knowledge, please reach out to Delia.Pavlichko@razorfishhealth.com. We’re interested in hearing your perspective, as well as your thoughts on the upcoming communication challenges and opportunities.