In addition to the physical toll the coronavirus pandemic has taken on many Americans, it also has increased anxiety levels and eroded the mental health of a wide segment of the population.
A recent study by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that almost half of all U.S. adults (45 percent) say the pandemic has affected their mental health, while 19 percent say it has had a “major impact.” (The Impact of Coronavirus on Life in America. Kaiser Family Foundation. April, 2020).
A new survey conducted by Merritt Hawkins, a Washington Hospital Services (WHS) Industry Partner, on behalf of the Physicians Foundation suggests that the mental health and well-being of physicians has been particularly impacted by Covid-19.
According to the survey:
- 30 percent of physicians have been made to feel hopeless or that they have no purpose as a result of Covid-19’s effects on their practice or employment situation.
- 18 percent have increased use of medications, alcohol or illicit drugs as a result of Covid-19.
- 24 percent have sought medical attention for a physical problem.
- 18 percent have sought mental healthcare.
- 8 percent have considered self-harm.
- 22 percent report they know a physician who has committed suicide.
Merritt Hawkins conducts the national Survey of America’s Physicians every other year on behalf of The Physicians Foundation in order to track physician practice metrics, physician practice plans, and physicians’ perspectives on the medical profession.
This year, the survey is being released in three separate parts, each part focusing on how physicians are being affected by and responding to the pandemic. Part Two of the survey tracks how Covid-19 has affected physician well-being, and includes the findings above as well as additional data and analysis.
The survey paints a sobering portrait of a physician workforce that already was facing high levels of burnout and mental stress before the pandemic. Covid-19 has only added to the problem. The new survey provides additional evidence for why more needs to be done to ensure the physical and mental well-being of physicians and may be of interest to physicians, healthcare facility administrations and others concerned by this challenge.
To obtain a complete report showing findings and analysis of Part Two of the 2020 Survey of America’s Physicians contact Ed Phippen, edp@wsha.org or (206) 216-2556.
The Washington Hospital Services Industry Partner program connects hospitals with companies to create efficiencies, lower costs and deliver exceptional health care. For more information about Merritt Hawkins or the WHS Industry Partner Program, contact Ed Phippen at edp@wsha.org or (206) 216-2556.
