Health systems’ leave policies, workplace support and leadership sensitivity may affect physicians’ ability to return to work after a life-threatening illness or medical event, a study found.
Researchers in the Department of Pediatrics at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia interviewed 22 physicians ages 43 to 77 who had experienced a life-threatening illness or medical event and attempted to return to work, according to the study published Sept. 9 in JAMA Network Open. Participants represented seven specialties and 16 institutions.
Researchers identified five recurring themes: loss of authority or control; dismantling the illusion of invincibility; identity questioning and reformation; knowledge as a benefit and a burden; and institutional practices as moderators for returning to work.
The researchers found physicians’ professional and patient identities often clashed. Leave policies, support and leadership sensitivity played key roles in participants’ ability to return to work and how they viewed themselves during and after their return.
Researchers said health systems should consider shifting from procedural to relationship-centered return-to-work policies and interactions to better support and retain physicians.
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