Loneliness and healthcare professions: An occupational hazard (courtesy Dr. Andy McLean)
Most of you are well aware of former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s declaration of the “Loneliness Epidemic.” However, you might not be aware that healthcare professionals are at significantly high risk for loneliness. A Harvard Business Review study of a few years back named physicians and lawyers as the loneliest professionals, and a recent Scientific Reports study indicated between one-fourth and one-third of family physicians experience significant rates of loneliness. In the report, underrepresented groups within the medical field were at the highest risk. And those lonelier physicians were less likely to ask their patients about issues relating to social isolation—a particular concern given that loneliness and social isolation have associations with health issues, including cardiac disease, obesity, neurocognitive disorders, and mental illness. Some have attributed the risk of loneliness among those with high achievement to excessive expectations for themselves in solving their own problems (e.g., “physician, heal thyself…”).
Loneliness is often quite different from “being alone.” The former is a feeling of disconnection from others (despite yearning for relationships), while the latter is a state of solitude. Paradoxically, as our options for social media have increased, healthy social connectedness has decreased. In particular, younger people have appeared to suffer the most.
Within medicine, while technology has provided virtual convenience, it has also diminished what have been in-person rituals (the post call sign-out meeting, patient “hand-offs,” etc.). Many healthcare institutions (both educational and service delivery) have recognized the problem and are attempting to foster a culture of connection and social interaction. Some have done so in the design of their buildings, some with intentional programming and activities. Healthcare licensing boards, state legislatures, and accreditation bodies have all moved toward incentivizing practitioners in obtaining necessary health support, while attempting to reduce stigma. Healthcare organizations are trying to minimize the “burnout enhancing” elements of the electronic health record.
When it comes to health, we often have choices. We can take the stairs instead of the elevator. We can choose salad instead of fries. The same goes for loneliness. We can say “yes” to the invitation. When feasible, don’t substitute virtual interaction for in-person. And regarding social media, use it for social connection, not social comparison.
