Work

Brick Walls and Broken Hearts: Physicians Draw how they Feel About Treating Pain and Addiction

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: As part of a continuing medical education activity, primary care physicians in Arizona were asked to draw how they feel about treating patients with chronic pain and addiction. Their drawings, complete with cliffs, walls, torn-out hair, and connected hearts, make for a harrowing look at burnout, angst, and empathy among physicians who treat this subset of patients. Public health and exercise facilitators were troubled, leading them to publish this essay along with a selection of the drawings that depict the feelings of the physicians who feel ill-prepared to treat this patient population, which is only growing in number and needs.

Source: Journal of General Internal Medicine

DOI: 10.1007/s11606-024-09205-8

Authors: Lisa R. Villarroel, Aram S. Mardian, Cynthia O. Townsend, Steven R. Brown

Institutions: Arizona Department of Health Services, University of Arizona College of Medicine- Phoenix, Phoenix VA Health Care System, Mayo Clinic, Mayo Clinic Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Healthcare professionals’ stress and burnout

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,990