In this month’s issue of The O&P EDGE, an article highlights the degree of burnout in the healthcare professions. The author writes that in a recent survey of 438 O&P clinicians, the average score of the profession indicated at-risk for burnout. Of course, we all know it is impossible to completely eliminate stress or burnout at work, but there are ways to mitigate exhaustion and fatigue to keep a healthy pace.
Our question to our social media followers: “What do you do to try and avoid burnout at your place of employment?” Of those who responded 41 percent said they have learned to say no; 37 percent said they utilize offered paid time off; 19 percent said they will change their work environment, and 4 percent said they will seek support in order to avoid becoming burned out.
Our Twitter followers were unanimous that they would change their work environment.
In our most recent poll, we turned to the April issue of The O&P EDGE, which will feature articles that focus on humanitarian efforts in O&P. One writer states, ”The O&P profession lends the opportunity for interventions that can improve quality of life for others through the collaboration of patients and health professionals.” It takes a certain type of person who decides to make a career out of O&P.
With that in mind, our question was, “What are some of the best characteristics a practitioner, resident, or student can possess to work in O&P?” Almost half of those who responded, 47 percent, said they got into this field with the desire to improve lives; 23 percent said it takes empathy to be a good clinician, 20 percent said some of the best characteristics a clinician can possess are integrity and honesty, and 10 percent said other.
Our Twitter followers were unanimous, saying that empathy is the best characteristic.
Our poll this week focuses on the Academy Annual Meeting & Symposium held earlier this month, which included sessions on women, diversity, and workplace culture in O&P. Most people can name at least one woman who has or had a strong influence in their life and career. Our question: “Who is that person for you?” is up and in full swing.
Tell us what you think. We’d love to hear from you.
