I’ve have always been passionate about providing the best care for my patients.
I worked hard to be where I am today, through sleepless nights and busy, lengthy days of schooling.
Overall, I’ve enjoyed being a doctor. It’s such a deeply respected field. So gratifying in its nature.
That said, I’ve been experiencing difficulties at work. While the reasons number many, the main issue has undoubtedly been the requirements of the health record system.
This system is supposed to make our work easier, but has, in reality, become a nightmare.
The system implemented at our work (and I’m sure at most other workplaces for doctors) is not user-friendly, and takes a lot of time and effort to navigate through.
I spend hours documenting patient information, leaving me with little time to attend to my patients.
The system is prone to errors, resulting in my having to double-check everything I enter to avoid making mistakes.
The worst part of this whole thing is that the system is affecting my mental health. I’m overwhelmed and stressed. Worse, I know that I’m not the only one.
“I spend hours documenting patient information, leaving me with little time to attend to my patients.”
I know for a fact that many of my colleagues are experiencing burnout, just like me, and that some have even left our beloved profession.
Those that leave are being labeled “deserters”, and sometimes even being looked down on. Can you believe that? What an abusive system we have in place!
The worst part of this whole thing is that the system is affecting my mental health. I’m overwhelmed and stressed. Worse, I know that I’m not the only one. Click To Tweet
I truly believe that something needs to be done to address this issue.
One of those issues is the medical health record system, which needs to be improved to make things user-friendly and make record-keeping less prone to errors.
We also need to be treated like the humans we are and be given more time to attend to our patients.
As for as our own mental health and making sure we maintain it? For me, that’s a priority.
But what is one to do?
I honestly want you all to think about that, out there, sitting in your home and thinking about your own doctor.
Much like your own doctor probably feels, I am committed to providing the best care for my patients. But I can’t do that if the system is working against me.
Friends, it’s time for a change.
