Work Life balance in Medical Work Life balance in Medical practicepractice
Vijay sardana MD , DM ( Neurology)
Professor & Head, Deptt. of Neurology,Chairman Medical Education Unit
Government Medical college kota
Doctor : FactsDoctor : Facts One of the every three dissatisfied due to lack of
time for themselves or their families
Average life 10 year less
Depression 4 times higher than general population
8.6% higher risk of emotional exhaustion, 10% higher risk of burnout
US- Physician suicide 3 time than general population
10% - Develop drug addiction
Job satisfaction among DoctorsJob satisfaction among Doctors
69.5% –satisfied (AIIMS)
Medical doctor in Armed Force – 40% Choudhary et al MIAFI 2004;60:329-32
Madan N. job satisfaction among doctor in a Tertiary Care Hospital jk science:2008,10(2)81-83
work life balance: Issueswork life balance: Issues
Managing burn out Time management Managing marriage and family When to retire?
Manage boredom & burnoutManage boredom & burnout
Stages of careerStages of career
Medical student
Resident
Doctor- professional work
Boredom by 40-50 years? What to do next
BurnoutBurnout
Work/ family/ community/ self work – more than 60% self _ less than 10%
Loss of Physical, Emotional & Mental Energy
Burnout : SymptomsBurnout : Symptoms
Behavioral – Angry/Depressed, poor concentration,
Chronically late or psychologically absent, work avoidance
Excessive drinking/Drugs
Tiredness, lethargy, sleep disorders
Burnout – Things to do Burnout – Things to do
Learn to take care of yourself – learn to rest - learn to Exercise Learn to say No
Have fulfilling life outside of clinic - develop your hobbies & activities
Learn to cut routine work
Develop strong support system
Exercise has life transforming benefits
Regular exercise: benefitsRegular exercise: benefits
Improves cardio vascular fitness Improves mood Reduces stress Loses fat, not lean muscle Decrease back & joint pain Decrease loss of bone density Decrease chol., HT, insulin sensitivity,
incidence & mortality from CAD, risk of colonic cancer
Ultradian performance rhythmUltradian performance rhythm
Time management scienceTime management science
Time as a CommodityTime as a Commodity
most precious thing we have
ultimately the most valuable resource
Time cannot be stored up for later use
Very Busy ?Very Busy ?
Just because you are busy does not mean that you are productive
Differentiate between
– Effectiveness -- doing the right things
– Efficiency -- doing the right things correctly
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Spent Time MatrixSpent Time Matrixstephen covey’s matrixstephen covey’s matrix
Q1
Q3
Q2
Q4
MANAGECrisisMedical emergenciesPressing problemsDeadline-driven projectsLast-minute exam preparations
FOCUSPreparation/planningPreventionValues clarificationExerciseRelationship-buildingTrue recreation/relaxation
AVOIDInterruptions, some callsSome mail & reportsSome meetingsMany “pressing” mattersMany popular activities
AVOIDJunk mailSome phone messageTime wastersViewing mindless TV shows
Urgent Not Urgent
Important
NotImportant
Quadrant 1Quadrant 1 Being in Quadrant 1 brings
– Stress
– Burnout
– Crises management
– Focus on the immediate
Quadrant 3Quadrant 3
Being in Quadrant 3 brings
– Short term focus
– Crises management
– Low value on goal
Characteristics of a Quadrant 2 PersonCharacteristics of a Quadrant 2 Person
--Coherence– Balance– Focus– An ability to get on with people – Flexibility – Portability
Time saving techniquesTime saving techniques
Control paperwork – action/ file / throw Delegate your job Learn to say no Analyze what we do
-need to do it?
- can someone else do it? - any quicker/ easier way to do
Physicians: problematic spouse?Physicians: problematic spouse?
MarriagesMarriages
Perfectionism, compulsiveness & workholism – good doctor but problematic spouse
Many married to Profession – no time to cultivate intimacy with spouse
Issues Threatening marriageIssues Threatening marriage
Money & Financial arguments Infidelity Boredom Career crisis Empty nest syndrome Retirement.
MarriagesMarriages
Spend time together Respect each other Have fun together Treat your spouse as your most
important VIP patient -- A loved spouse is also loving
spouse
Parenting and medicineParenting and medicine
Pressure of balancing family and work commitment enormous
Not spending enough time/ daily inattention over the years detrimental to parent child relationship
High expectations
children and medicinechildren and medicine
A meal together everyday Fun together once a week One holiday every year together Make sure children meet grand parents,
relatives periodically attend family functions/ marriages Help children honor family tradition,
Retirement : final career
Think of Retiring when you feel time is right
Preparing to RetirePreparing to Retire
What would you do if you didn’t have to work for living Where do you want to live How will you use your time so that you remain
productive & inspired Want to be close to children or away What role the family will play Arrangement for possible decline in health
RetirementRetirement
Don’t retire unless you have enough financial security Studies-Retirement has Predominantly positive impact
on emotional state – less demand of practice, more time for travel, pleasurable activities
25% depression 30% feel retirement years better 1st year difficult later integration / adjustment takes
place
RetirementRetirement
Keep alive what matters to youExplore you hobbiesExplore your spiritualityServe other selflessly-do charity
work/volunteer workPhysical activity/light exercise
Take HomeTake Home
Enjoy being a Doctor. Focus on sunny side of it Effective time management is key to work life
balance Work short of causing burnout and know when
to retire Evolve as a comprehensive human being with
physician incorporated
ThanksThanks