Nursing

Psychological intervention

Maslow's hierarchy of needs

Social psychology

Psychiatry

Economics

Market economy

Burnout

Hierarchy

Psychology

Psychotherapist

Mental health

Medicine

Clinical psychology

The American Journal of Medicine

Burnout has been implicated in higher physician turnover, reduced patient satisfaction, and worsened safety, but understanding the degree of burnout in a given physician or team does not direct leaders to solutions. The model proposed integrates a long list of variables that may ameliorate burnout into a prioritized, easy-to-understand hierarchy. Modified from Maslow's hierarchy, the model directs leaders to address physicians' basic physical and mental health needs first; patient and physician physical safety second; and then address higher-order needs, including respect from colleagues, patients, processes, and the electronic health record; appreciation and connection; and finally, time and resources to heal patients and contribute to the greater good. Assessments based on this model will help leaders prioritize interventions and improve physician wellness.

Beyond Burnout: A Physician Wellness Hierarchy Designed to Prioritize Interventions at the Systems Level