Q: Through your own experience, how can the team-based care model help alleviate healthcare professional burnout?
Dr. Bernard: Doctors, nurses, social workers, lab technicians, physical therapists, etc, have been working as a team from the earliest days of modern medicine. Doctors now spend more time on paperwork than on patient care, and we are losing what we value the most, which is relationships with patients. Team members can help by taking some of this administrative burden (although simplifying these requirements would be a more cost-effective strategy).
Q: In what ways do you see healthcare professionals and patients alike avoid burnout and work towards a work-life harmony?
Dr. Bernard: Physicians with more autonomy and empowerment to enact personal change show improvements in wellness. My personal opinion is that physicians need to return to self-ownership or insist on greater autonomy from employers to reduce burnout.
I think that mindfulness is a very important key to personal wellness. Really thinking about your life both in the big picture and on a day-to-day basis, rather than accepting situations at face value.
Considering your goals, values, and mission, and asking whether what you are doing compares to those core values. If not, ask why and work with a professional to create change.
Q: There are a lot of trending “quick fixes” out there, like IV therapy, to help people manage stress and their mental health. What do you say to patients that ask about these trending remedies?
Dr. Bernard: Spending time and money on nonapproved and unnecessary treatments is unlikely to help and may cause harm. Patients should beware of false promises and sales tactics when it comes to their health.
Any medical intervention involves risks and benefits, and even something that seems benign like IV vitamins is not without risk (For example, a patient may develop an infection or scarring of the veins). Ultimately, what is shown repeatedly is that eating a largely plant-based diet, exercising, getting enough sleep, managing stress, not smoking, not drinking much, and controlling weight are the keys to healthy living.
Spending money on high-quality fresh food or on a good psychologist to help you meet health goals is a much better value proposition than paying for quick fixes. Your primary care doctor can help guide you on the evidence and personal recommendations to optimize your health.
