Title: Burnout and Harassment Plague US Health Workers, New CDC Report Reveals
Introduction:
A new report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shed light on the growing mental health crisis faced by health workers in the United States. According to the report, nearly half of health workers reported feeling burned out in 2022, a significant increase from under a third reported four years ago. The study also highlighted a doubling in the number of health workers who faced harassment at work. These findings emphasize the urgent need for action to support the well-being of health workers.
Increased Burnout and Harassment:
The nationwide survey data between 2018 and 2022 revealed a staggering rise in burnout among health workers. Nearly half of the respondents reported feeling burned out in 2022, compared to less than a third in the previous four years. Furthermore, the study found that health workers’ experiences of harassment, including violent threats, bullying, and verbal abuse, rose from 6% to 13% during the study period.
Worse Mental Health Outcomes:
The report also highlighted that health workers face more severe mental health outcomes compared to employees in other industries. These findings come on the heels of the largest healthcare worker strike in US history, in which 75,000 unionized employees of Kaiser Permanente protested burnout and chronic staffing shortages across five states and the District of Columbia.
The Impact of the Pandemic:
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the workplace challenges experienced by health care providers. The surge in patients, long working hours, and supply shortages placed significant stress on health workers, resulting in a rise in mental health complications, suicidal ideation, and substance abuse challenges. The study found that health care workers reported an increase in poor mental health days, with 44% expressing a desire to seek new employment.
Consequences of Harassment:
The report highlighted the detrimental effects of harassment on health workers’ mental health. Those who reported being harassed were five times more likely to experience anxiety, three times more likely to report depression, and nearly six times more likely to suffer burnout. The study also revealed that health workers who experienced harassment were more likely to report higher rates of anxiety and depression compared to those who did not face harassment.
Recommendations for Improvement:
The report emphasized the importance of improving workplace policies and practices to prevent burnout and harassment among health workers. The study found that health workers who trusted their management, had sufficient time to complete their work, and received support from supervisors were less likely to report burnout. The report recommended encouraging cross-level employee participation in decision-making and addressing staffing needs and harassment reports seriously.
Calls for Immediate Action:
Experts and the CDC are calling on employers to take immediate preventive actions to address the mental health crisis among health workers. The CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health plans to launch a national campaign this fall to help hospital leaders address challenges faced by health workers. The report concludes that patients and communities will benefit when health workers are thriving.
In conclusion, the CDC’s report paints a concerning picture of the mental health challenges faced by health workers in the US. The findings highlight the urgent need for employers and organizations to prioritize the well-being of health workers through supportive work environments, improved workplace policies, and effective leadership. Taking action to address burnout and harassment is vital to ensure the overall health and success of both health workers and the patients they serve.