Surgeon General Issues Landmark Report with New Solutions to Combat Crippling Worker Burnout Issue

By Robert King

The U.S. surgeon general is highlighting the urgent need to address healthcare worker burnout. In a new advisory, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, offers a number of recommendations to fight burnout — which was an issue before COVID-19 but exacerbated by the pandemic. With more than 500,000 registered nurses planning to retire by year-end and a shortage of more than 3 million low-wage health workers projected over the next 5 years, the situation will likely get worse. A shortage of 139,000 physicians is also expected by 2033, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. The surgeon general's recommendations include providing a living wage, paid sick and family leave, and an assessment of workloads and hours for all healthcare workers; reducing the documentation and other administrative burdens for healthcare workers; developing mental health support services that are geared for healthcare workers; and protecting healthcare workers from violent and unsafe conditions. "COVID-19 has been a uniquely traumatic experience for the healthcare workforce and for their families, pushing them past their breaking point," Murthy said in a statement. "Now, we owe them a debt of gratitude and action. And if we fail to act, we will place our nation's health at risk."

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