American Thoracic Society Talks About Burnout Syndrome, Noting Moral Distress Within Its Framework ( 4 / 5 Stars for Scope and Solutions of MD)

One of the corollaries in moral distress research is how MD fits into other pathological syndromes. In the article below, the American Thoracic Society notes that Burnout syndrome is a phenomena that is may be correlated to poor outcomes, high rates of attrition for clinicians, and increased medical error, among other problems. Moreover, the CCSC supported the publication of the article and the research behind it in order to have a call to action about burnout and the ways that it is affecting HCPs and patients. The authors defined burnout syndrome as manifesting with three classic symptoms: exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. ATS is publishing information on burnout because it has been increasing in the last few decades. They cite information that up to 40% ER physicians have burnout syndrome, and up to 50% of ICU/CC clinicians experience burnout. They also cite potential risk factors for burnout, as well as potential solutions for reduction, such as mindfulness and resilience training, and motivating the health care workers to keep physically healthy. Moral distress fits into their model as depicted in their figure below:



Moss, M., Good, V. S., Gozal, D., Kleinpell, R., & Sessler, C. N. (2016). A critical care societies collaborative statement: Burnout syndrome in critical care health-care professionals. A call for action. Am J Respir Crit Care Med, 194(1), 106-113. doi:10.1164/rccm.201604-0708ST