Between managing staff, dealing with patients, costs, finance pressures and other administrative tasks, it's no wonder that burnout is a common occurrence in our field. The demanding and stressful nature of our profession can contribute to burnout, a chronic form of stress that results from prolonged exposure to job demands that exceed an individual's resources.

It's important to acknowledge the current stress and pressures in primary care, and to prioritise our own physical and mental health. By taking care of ourselves, we'll be better equipped to provide the highest level of care for our patients.

The first step in dealing with burnout is to recognise the signs and symptoms. Burnout can manifest in many ways, but common signs include:

• Chronic fatigue or exhaustion
• Feeling cynical or negative about work
• Decreased job satisfaction and productivity
• Loss of empathy towards patients
• Difficulty concentrating
• Insomnia
• Increased irritability and impatience
• Physical symptoms, such as headaches or stomach problems

If you or your staff are experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be a sign of burnout. Learn to recognise what burnout looks like, and take action before things become more severe.

Situations Where Burnout Is Likely

• Heavy Workloads: When practice managers are expected to handle multiple tasks and responsibilities within a limited time, it can lead to burnout. An alternative approach is to prioritise tasks, delegate some work to other team members, and ensure that workloads are manageable.
• Long Hours: Working long hours can make it challenging to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Instead, try to encourage staff to take regular breaks, leave work on time, and ensure that work hours are reasonable.
• Inadequate Staffing: Understaffed practices can lead to increased workloads and stress for practice managers. Try instead to assess staffing needs regularly, consider hiring additional staff where necessary, and ensure that all staff members are appropriately trained and supported.

Dealing with Burnout

• Take a break: It is important to take breaks throughout the day and to take time off work when necessary. This can help you recharge and come back to work with renewed energy and focus.
• Prioritise self-care: Self-care is essential for preventing and managing burnout. This includes getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. It is also important to engage in activities that you enjoy such as hobbies, and spend time with loved ones.
• Seek support: Don't be afraid to seek support from colleagues, friends, or a mental health professional. Talking about your feelings and experiences with someone you trust can be a powerful tool for managing burnout.
• Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is a technique that involves being present in the moment and non-judgmentally observing your thoughts and feelings. Mindfulness can help you manage stress and prevent burnout. There are many resources available to help healthcare professionals learn and practice mindfulness.
• Set boundaries: It is important to set boundaries in your work and personal life. This may mean saying ‘no’ to additional responsibilities, or prioritising time for yourself and your loved ones.

Preventing Burnout

Preventing burnout in the first place is key to maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Here are some strategies that can help prevent burnout:

• Practice good time management: Effective time management can help – try delegating tasks, prioritising responsibilities, encouraging regular breaks, and setting realistic goals.
• Build a supportive work environment: A supportive work environment can help healthcare professionals feel valued and supported. Provide regular feedback, opportunities for professional development, and a culture that promotes work-life balance.
• Promote open communication: Encouraging open communication can help healthcare professionals feel heard and supported. Hold regular team meetings, create opportunities for feedback, and encourage a culture that values open communication.
• Provide resources for stress management: This can help healthcare professionals learn and practice techniques for managing stress and preventing burnout. Consider mindfulness workshops, employee assistance programs, and stress management resources.

Support Networks

It is essential to know that there are support networks in place for staff who are experiencing burnout or other mental health concerns. These resources can provide confidential advice and support for staff at all levels, including Practice Managers. Here are some links to some helpful resources:

NHS Practitioner Health Programme: A confidential NHS service for doctors and dentists who may be experiencing mental health concerns, including burnout. They offer support and access to mental health services. You can find more information at Practitioner Health.

NHS Staff Mental Health and Wellbeing Commissioning Framework: This framework aims to improve the mental health and wellbeing of NHS staff. It provides guidance on commissioning and delivering effective mental health and wellbeing services for NHS staff. You can find more information at NHS England - Staff mental health and wellbeing commissioning framework.

Burnout is a common problem in the healthcare industry, but it is important to recognise the signs and take action to prevent and manage burnout. Prioritising self-care, seeking support, and practicing mindfulness are all effective strategies for managing it.