Addressing social drivers of health is a critical aspect of a primary care physician’s job, but it is also contributing to rising levels of burnout and “has a major impact” on physicians’ mental health, according to The Physicians Foundation.

The Physician's Foundation released a survey last week that found 6 in 10 physicians lack the time and ability to address social factors that drive patient outcomes. Nearly 90% reported wanting to learn how to effectively address those vulnerabilities.

Although the majority of physicians recognize the role social determinants of health (SDOH) play in patient outcomes, many physicians do not have the time or resources needed to navigate patient SDOH, according to a survey by the Physicians Foundation.

Physicians view social drivers of health (SDOH) as critically important in the health of their patients and they want to do more to help address SDOH, a new survey report has found.

The first of three parts of the 2022 Survey of America’s Physicians focused on social drivers in patients and how they affect providers. It is the first time the organization has put out a survey focused entirely on SDOH. The survey reached more than 1,500 physicians, most of whom are specialists.

The survey, conducted in February by The Physicians Foundation, queried 1502 doctors (500 primary care physicians and 1002 specialists) about their experience with social drivers — also known as determinants — of health (SDOH).

Health care systems and practices across the country are promoting strategies to address burnout and improve well-being among physicians.

"Many physicians don't seek mental health care due to fear of negative consequences in the workplace, including retribution, exclusion, loss of license, or even their job," Gary Price, MD, president of The Physicians Foundation, told Medscape Medical News.

While the AMA study used pre-pandemic burnout and turnover estimates to calculate the cost of burnout and turnover on the healthcare industry, a recent survey by The Physicians Foundation found that burnout rates among physicians in general are increasing during the pandemic.

The Physicians Foundation is accepting applications for its new year-long fellowship program, aimed at next-generation physicians passionate about addressing social drivers of health.