Healthcare Mergers and Acquisitions Linked to Physician Burnout

Providers going through a healthcare merger or acquisition (M&A) are less likely to be willing to stay at their organization and more likely to experience physician burnout, according to athenahealth’s Physician Sentiment Index 2021 report.

In a survey of 799 physician respondents, more than 50 percent sustained significant organizational changes at their organizations, including new EHR implementation, staff layoffs and furloughs, and M&A.

Uncertainty, disruptions in workflows, and rapid organizational changes are common side effects of mergers and acquisitions. Only 68 percent of respondents who experienced an M&A said they would recommend their healthcare organization to friends or family members, versus 85 percent for physicians who did not go through an M&A.

In addition, relationships with colleagues took a toll. Physicians who experienced M&As reported feeling less positive about their collaboration with colleagues, less safe and supported, and less inspired to go above and beyond in their work.

The pandemic heightened physician burnout as well, with 28 percent of physicians experiencing furloughs and 14 percent experiencing layoffs within their organizations. Physicians from the organizations impacted by furloughs and layoffs reported feeling increased burnout, as well as feelings of callousness and isolation multiple times per month.

New EHR implementation also caused significant strain on physicians. Of the 23 percent of respondents who went through major technological transitions within their organizations, most were frustrated with training and less likely to believe that technology aids them in delivering quality care.

Researchers concluded that a team-based primary care model is more likely to yield positive reports from physicians regarding collaboration, opinions of colleagues, and overall satisfaction with their organization.

“The Physician Sentiment Index survey reflects the taxing impact of industry consolidation, technology changes, and layoffs/furloughs during the pandemic,” Jessica Sweeney-Platt, vice president of research and editorial strategy at athenahealth, said in a press release.

“This makes it even more notable that on balance, physicians continue to be committed to delivering superior patient care. The key for this result is a strong support system, proactive technological trainings, and ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues.”

Another recent athenahealth survey revealed that female physicians, physicians under 65, and physicians employed by Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) reported the highest levels of burnout.

Administrative burdens and poor EHR usability are some of the leading factors in clinician burnout and dissatisfaction. Only 29 percent of respondents indicated that their organization is optimized to handle administrative tasks, and most physicians reported working extra hours at home just to catch up on paperwork.

The pandemic has only perpetuated this issue, and providers continue to be stretched thin as the physician shortage grows. Recent analysis from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) predicts that the US will experience a physician shortage between 37,800 and 124,000 doctors by 2034.  

Luckily, some healthcare organizations are taking notice of these issues and developing new methods of assessing burnout and providing support to employees. The American Nurses Foundation recently expanded its mHealth text messaging pilot. The program aims to help nurses manage grief, maintain healthy habits, and reduce burnout. The program will soon be available to nurses in 16 states.