Recognizing Impairment in the Workplace

Work-related stressors may result in emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and eventual burnout. Healthcare workers are at high risk for burnout, due to a variety of factors. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic is a prime example of a situation that raises the threat of provider burnout. Staffing shortages, equipment shortages, patient volume, acuity surges and more can all lead to one’s mental, physical, and spiritual exhaustion. The result of this ongoing work-related stress creates another set of unfavorable consequences.

Healthcare workers, under constant stressors, may develop unhealthy personal coping mechanisms, including substance abuse (illegal drugs, abuse of prescription drugs, alcohol abuse), and mental health issues (anxiety and depression). Additionally, they may exhibit on-duty work behaviors that impair quality care, and potentially create medical errors that could result in charges of negligence and malpractice. Impairment can place everyone in the workplace at risk for injury. Patients trust healthcare professionals to provide safe and effective care. Therefore, it is in everyone’s best interest to quickly identify the impaired healthcare worker and align them with professional services that promote their recovery and safe return to the workplace.

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