As we draw closer to the two-year anniversary of COVID-19 being declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), those in the healthcare profession continue to face challenges – especially with the recent emergence of the Omicron variant.
In a March 2021 survey conducted by the Ontario Medical Association (OMA), nearly 35% of doctors, medical students and residents polled admitted to having persistent, or complete, feelings of COVID-19-related burnout.
On December 15, 2021, the Hamilton Academy of Medicine held its HAM Monthly continuing medical education event, powered by Banty CME. During this gathering, the healthcare professionals in attendance were asked how they are coping with COVID-19. The findings were staggering:
1) 71.8% said they are suffering from COVID-19-related burnout
2) 78.1% said they are feeling COVID-19 fatigue
According to OMA President Adam Kassam, physician burnout leads to increased depression, substance abuse, as well as suicidal thoughts. He also indicates that such burnout can negatively impact a physician's productivity and lead to a decrease in care available to patients.
Meanwhile, Banty CME Co-Founder and long-time, respected family physician, Dr. Richard Tytus, views COVID-19 fatigue as a condition physicians experience when feeling overwhelmed and tired by the global pandemic.
"As a medical professional, I can attest to just how tough the COVID-19 global pandemic has been for those in the healthcare industry. The challenges have been immense and continuous," offers Dr. Richard Tytus. "Now that the Omicron virus has surfaced, healthcare professional burnout and fatigue will likely persist. However, one way to help ease the stress is to embrace usage of virtual medicine solutions."
Also at the December 15 edition of HAM Monthly, more than 96% of healthcare professionals polled indicated that at least some of their patient appointments are now conducted remotely either over the phone, or through video call technology. The latter of which is the preferred method of remote patient care for Dr. Tytus.
"While many physicians still conduct patient appointments over the phone, this form of patient care is not nearly as easy and productive as conducting a video call appointment – especially during this hectic pandemic period," explains Dr. Tytus. "A picture says a thousand words. Having a video call appointment with a patient helps the doctor get a better idea as to what they are treating. Additionally, this forum can put patients at ease, knowing they don't always have to travel to their doctor's office throughout the pandemic."
Thanks to Yahoo! Finance for this coverage of Banty!
