VBC Eases Burnout
The systemic transformation needed to address clinician burnout
Author and Expert:
Robin Eickhoff, MD
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Optum Health senior medical director, Dr. Robin Eickhoff, on how value-based care offers a way forward in the clinician burnout crisis.
As a family medicine physician and senior medical director for WellMed, a division of
Optum Health, Dr. Robin Eickhoff, is all too familiar with the effects of burnout. With nearly 63% of physicians reporting signs of burnout, such as emotional exhaustion, at least once per week, Dr. Eickhoff says it’s often a systemic problem that can be addressed through some of the key tenets of value-based care.
“Clinician burnout is an institutional issue, meaning it’s really the system in which we work that leads to the problem,” said Dr. Eickhoff. “It’s really a normal human reaction to the stressors that we work under. By moving to a value-based care model, some of the main factors that contribute to burnout are addressed with a team-based approach to care, more available resources and a renewed focus on patient outcomes versus volume.”
Dr. Eickhoff says various factors beyond the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to rising burnout rates among clinicians. Administrative burdens, electronic medical records (EMRs), loss of patient connections, feeling undervalued and lacking resources necessary to provide optimal patient care are all key contributors. In this interview, she details how value-based care addresses some of the top triggers clinicians face today.
“Clinician burnout is an institutional issue, meaning it’s really the system in which we work that leads to the problem,” said Dr. Eickhoff. “It’s really a normal human reaction to the stressors that we work under. By moving to a value-based care model, some of the main factors that contribute to burnout are addressed with a team-based approach to care, more available resources and a renewed focus on patient outcomes versus volume.”
Dr. Eickhoff says various factors beyond the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to rising burnout rates among clinicians. Administrative burdens, electronic medical records (EMRs), loss of patient connections, feeling undervalued and lacking resources necessary to provide optimal patient care are all key contributors. In this interview, she details how value-based care addresses some of the top triggers clinicians face today.
How does value-based care restore patient connections?
In my experience, I’ve found a value-based care model allows for a deeper connection
with patients. As a primary care physician (PCP) in a value-based care model, I’ve had
the opportunity to work together with my patients to help get them the holistic care
they need.
Value-based care models create and encourage more primary care management and oversight. This enables clinicians to get to know their patients and understand their goals, and even fears, which in turn helps them to be better. PCPs handle more of their care, completely managing diabetes, hypertension, thyroid conditions and many other chronic health conditions that they might not have enough time to manage in a traditional setting.
PCPs in a value-based care model could know everything that’s going on with their patients, including their specialty care. They can then direct this additional care to ensure the patient is in a stable place and that it is consistent with what the patient wants.
We are all different in our day-to-day processes, but I believe most PCPs go into primary care because of the relationships that they develop with their patients and even their families. It’s all about connection which is critical in building individual resilience.
Value-based care models create and encourage more primary care management and oversight. This enables clinicians to get to know their patients and understand their goals, and even fears, which in turn helps them to be better. PCPs handle more of their care, completely managing diabetes, hypertension, thyroid conditions and many other chronic health conditions that they might not have enough time to manage in a traditional setting.
PCPs in a value-based care model could know everything that’s going on with their patients, including their specialty care. They can then direct this additional care to ensure the patient is in a stable place and that it is consistent with what the patient wants.
We are all different in our day-to-day processes, but I believe most PCPs go into primary care because of the relationships that they develop with their patients and even their families. It’s all about connection which is critical in building individual resilience.
How can systems address administrative burdens and create clinical efficiency?
There are a lot of initiatives out there, but because my practice is part of a larger
network that supports value-based care, we could standardize some of our processes
that can make the patient encounter more efficient. For instance, there is an initiative going on right now to make EMRs easier for clinicians to use. We are also able to utilize both virtual and in-person scribes, as well as voice recognition software that is
subscribed to at the enterprise level. By giving clinicians this time back, they have an opportunity for better work-life integration, as they can focus more time on activities outside of work.
We make a concerted effort to minimize the bureaucracy and administrative burdens on our clinicians and staff. Being part of value-based care allows us more freedom to take actions that alleviate these stressors for our clinicians.
We make a concerted effort to minimize the bureaucracy and administrative burdens on our clinicians and staff. Being part of value-based care allows us more freedom to take actions that alleviate these stressors for our clinicians.
How do value-based care models surround clinicians with more resources?
Delivering high-quality care with great outcomes is difficult to achieve alone. Under
value-based care models, the patient becomes the responsibility of a comprehensive
clinical team. This team-based approach ensures that patients receive holistic care and
fosters a sense of belonging and support within the health care system.
For example, when a hospitalist discharges a patient, we have a care manager making sure the patient has a follow-up appointment and someone who calls to go over any prescriptions.
I’ve also seen this play out with mental health. In a value-based care model, there’s an effort around trying to make sure behavioral health and mental health services are available to patients. There’s also more time available to spend with patients to assess if they’re experiencing mental health issues. We can ask deeper questions and have vulnerable conversations that open the door to addressing mental health needs.
For example, when a hospitalist discharges a patient, we have a care manager making sure the patient has a follow-up appointment and someone who calls to go over any prescriptions.
I’ve also seen this play out with mental health. In a value-based care model, there’s an effort around trying to make sure behavioral health and mental health services are available to patients. There’s also more time available to spend with patients to assess if they’re experiencing mental health issues. We can ask deeper questions and have vulnerable conversations that open the door to addressing mental health needs.
What are the consequences of not addressing clinician burnout?
We are already seeing it everywhere. Clinicians are leaving the field and not coming
back. The numbers are staggering and call for action. I’m not just referring to practicing
clinicians like doctors and Advanced Practice Clinicians (APCs), it’s all health care
workers.
Imagine trying to take care of patients without someone to run the lab tests you order, perform the x-rays, or even just go out to the home to provide skilled nursing care? The health care system as we know it wouldn’t be able to respond and react quickly the way we currently can. To address an issue this large, it’s going to take a transformative response—led by leadership.
Value-based care models offer a light at the end of the tunnel. My colleagues and I have experienced the benefits of a system that delivers the structure and support needed to focus on patient outcomes and provide the highest-quality care. With value-based care, we can pave the way towards a brighter, healthier future for both patients and the clinicians who care for them.
Imagine trying to take care of patients without someone to run the lab tests you order, perform the x-rays, or even just go out to the home to provide skilled nursing care? The health care system as we know it wouldn’t be able to respond and react quickly the way we currently can. To address an issue this large, it’s going to take a transformative response—led by leadership.
Value-based care models offer a light at the end of the tunnel. My colleagues and I have experienced the benefits of a system that delivers the structure and support needed to focus on patient outcomes and provide the highest-quality care. With value-based care, we can pave the way towards a brighter, healthier future for both patients and the clinicians who care for them.
About Robin Eickhoff, M.D.
Robin Eickhoff, M.D., MPH, CPC currently serves as Senior Medical Director for Education, Training and Development (ETD) at Wellmed Medical Group. Her responsibilities include development and delivery of education around diagnosis, documentation and quality measures, as well as working with new contracted groups on the WellMed Care Model. She also leads education and workshops addressing clinician burnout and retention for WellMed.
Dr. Eickhoff completed her undergraduate degree at San Diego State University. She earned her Medical Degree from Tulane University School of Medicine, and her Master of Public Health from Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in New Orleans, Louisiana. She completed her Certified Professional Coder certification to help other clinicians in understanding the importance of documentation accuracy.
Dr. Eickhoff is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. She is a member of the Texas Academy of Family Practice as well as the Bexar County Medical Society. In addition, Dr. Eickhoff served as a flight surgeon in the United States Air Force while stationed at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas.
Her interests include travel, cooking, eating, and just plain food in general (see a pattern?). When she’s not cooking or eating, you will find her recharging her batteries in the Great Smoky Mountains.
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