Understanding time use, stress and recovery practices among early career physicians: an exploratory study

Abstract

Early career physicians (ECPs) work an average of 80 h per week, and at times may approach 24 continuous hours working. These hours, combined with a stressful work environment, and an inability to physically and psychologically detach from work make ECPs likely to experience burnout and other negative health-related consequences. This study provides insight into the stress and recovery challenges faced by ECPs in a typical hospital environment. Rich qualitative and quantitative data were gathered from participants regarding daily time usage, and recovery practices and needs. ECPs report longer working hours, less leisure time and shorter amounts of sleep than average working adults. ECPs do not participate in many resource-replenishing activities while at work, and when out of work, they tend to participate in more passive than active forms of recovery. Resource-draining activities were identified as requiring much of ECP’s nonwork time, further limiting recovery. The prevention of burnout and other negative health consequences among ECPs requires the building of a workplace and educational culture that supports regular resource replenishment. This includes the need for a curriculum of medical education that teaches ECPs to identify the signs of stress and recovery needs, and how to effectively address these needs.

Keywords:

• stress
• burnout
• physician wellness
• time use
• medical residents

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Nicole M. Cranley

Nicole M. Cranley, MS, is a doctoral candidate in public health concentrating in social and behavioral sciences in the Department of Behavioral Science and Community Health at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. She graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2012 with a MS in Research Psychology.

Christopher J.L. Cunningham

Christopher J.L. Cunningham, PhD, is a UC Foundation Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in Chattanooga, TN. He is also an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor in Internal Medicine at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine-Chattanooga. Dr. Cunningham received his PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, specializing in Occupational Health Psychology from Bowling Green State University in 2007.

Mukta Panda

Mukta Panda, MD, FACP, is the Chair of the Department of Medicine, Program Director of the Transitional Year Program and Professor in the Department of Medicine at The University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Chattanooga, TN. She received her MD from Goa Medical College, completed her internship from King’s College in London and her residency from The University of Tennessee College of Medicine-Chattanooga.