12 / 240
C.
Otolaryngology workforce composition
Hughes CA, McMenamin P, Mehta V, et al. Otolaryngology workforce analysis.
Laryngoscope
. 2016; 126 Suppl 9:S5-S11. EBM level NA.......................................17-23
Summary
: This article evaluates several database sources regarding the supply and
demand of otolaryngologists in the United States. The article concludes that the available
workforce is below the forecasted needs in future years for the U.S. population. The
demographics of the workforce and data reporting the most common diagnoses reported
during otolaryngology visits are also presented.
II.
Professionalism
A.
Physician burnout
Fletcher AM, Pagedar N, Smith RJ. Factors correlating with burnout in practicing
otolaryngologists.
Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg
. 2012; 146(2):234-239. EBM
level 4...........................................................................................................................24-29
Summary
: This is a comprehensive study of burnout among practicing ENTs, and is not
just focused on academic ENTs. The study showed that younger age, hours worked per
week, and fewer years in practice were the most significant predictors of burnout,
whereas length of time in marriage was protective. Similar to other studies, findings
indicated having children in the family also contributed to burnout.
Shanafelt TD, Kaups KL, Nelson H, et al. An interactive individualized intervention to
promote behavioral change to increase personal well-being in US surgeons.
Ann Surg
.
2014; 259(1):82-88. EBM level 4................................................................................30-36
Summary
: Surgeons do not self-assess their distress level well. Validated self-assessment
tools may help promote changes to improve personal well-being.
B.
Impaired physician
DesRoaches CM, Rao SR, Fromson JA, et al. Physicians’ perceptions, preparedness for
reporting, and experiences related to impaired and incompetent colleagues.
JAMA
.
2010; 304(2):187-193. EBM level 4............................................................................37-43
Summary
: Self-policing of physicians is a keystone mechanism for the profession in
identifying and managing impaired or incompetent providers. This large survey study
found that more than 40% of physicians did not completely agree with the professional
responsibility to report. While a majority of respondents (64%) felt well prepared to
address an impaired colleague, 17% report having failed to report direct knowledge of an
impaired or incompetent physician in the last 3 years. The report indicated the need to
better educate physicians on the importance of reporting impaired colleagues as a patient
safety issue and to reduce concerns of retribution or personal loss from reporting. This is
an older paper, but high quality.