A proposal for coping strategies on burnout among Japanese resident physicians

Causes of burnout Specific countermeasures against burnout Communication problems in the workplace Mentoring Sharing of policies within the practice team Change of practice team Meta-awareness of one's feelings Analysis and reflection on difficult patient factors Developing empathy Maladjustment to the job Measures in line with reforms in the way doctors work in Japan Limitation or reduction of work Introduction of night flow Mandatory rest after duty shift Setting incremental goals through coaching Multiple transfers and environmental changes Assess the current state of knowledge, skills, and needs of resident physicians Limit the number of patients to be assigned at the beginning of the transfer Moderate expectations and acknowledge individual differences in adaptability Low job satisfaction Coaching to set work goals Focus on parts of the job that provide autonomy and enjoyment through coaching Create a platform for proactive dialogue with role models of a similar generation COMMUNICATION PROBLEMS IN THE WORKPLACE Poor communication and stress in relationships with medical staff and patients may contribute to burnout among resident physicians. 2,3 Because most physicians in Japan start their careers without previous work experience, their communication skills with medical staff and patients may be underdeveloped. Resident physicians should also learn skills for coping with difficult patients who display strong negative feelings toward the physician. 5 To cope with difficult patient encounters, metacognition of their own feelings, analysis on factors of difficult situations, and improvement in the capacity to empathize are important. 5 MALADJUSTMENT TO THE JOB Long working hours, increased workload, sleep deprivation owing to duty shifts, and increased burden of COVID-19 treatment are also risk factors for burnout. 2,3 Measures in line with the work reform of physicians in Japan, such as limiting or reducing work, introducing night flow, and mandatory rest after shifts, may be effective. Resilience can be improved by addressing “motivation” through coaching, setting incremental goals, building on successes to increase confidence, and setting new goals. 1 MULTIPLE TRANSFERS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES In Japan, factors contributing to burnout among resident physicians include rotations through multiple departments and affiliated hospitals and changes in the environment, including community medicine and “tasuki-gake” training (clinical training in which resi