Journal of Patient Experience, Ahead of Print.
Initiatives to mitigate physician burnout and improve patient experience occur largely in isolation. At the level of the department/division, we found lower physician burnout was associated with a more positive patient experience. Physician Maslach Burnout Inventory data and patient Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Clinician and Group experience scores were significantly correlated with 5 of 12 patient experience questions: “Got Routine Care Appointment” (−0.632, P = .001), “Recommend Provider” (−0.561, P = .005), “Provider Knew Medical History” (−0.532, P = .009), “Got Urgent Care Appointment” (−0.518, P = .014), and “Overall Rating” (−0.419, P = .047). These correlations suggest burnout and experience might be better addressed in tandem. Principles to guide an integrated approach are suggested.