RealTalk MS , together with MS in the 21^st Century (MS21), has released a brand-new podcast episode called ‘Understanding HCP burnout and empowering patients: how can patients and HCPs work together to support one another?’ This episode features Dr Mary Rensel, a doctor at the Cleveland Clinic, and Amanda Montague from the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America.

In this insightful new episode, host Jon Strum leads a discussion about healthcare professional (HCP) burnout and why it’s important for patients living with multiple sclerosis (MS) to feel empowered to be fully involved in decisions about their MS care. Dr Rensel explains that burnout is a work-related syndrome that can lead doctors to experience emotional exhaustion, cynicism and meaninglessness in their work. She highlights that due to burnout, doctors may not have the energy or the focus to listen to all the family members in the room, making it harder for doctors to provide good care. ‘[HCPs] may not be able to share their empathy, their warmth, and that they care about the person near them and may feel like they’re checking boxes. You’re tired and you don’t have the bandwidth or the time to soak in all the information,’’ Dr Rensel says, pointing out how serious the issue is.

Amanda talks about patient empowerment, which means helping patients feel confident talking about their symptoms, taking part in decisions about their treatment, and managing their condition. ‘ Hopefully patients feel empowered to bring to their clinicians appointment all of the issues that are important to them,’ Amanda explains.

The guests also share practical tips to reduce burnout and improve patient care. They suggest patients planning ahead of time what they would like to discuss during their doctor visits, doctors asking the patient what they’d like to get out of their visit, and using patient–doctor messaging platforms thoughtfully. Jon Strum adds thoughts on how caregivers can really help to give the full picture of how the person living with MS has been affected by symptoms leading up to the consultation.

Finally, Jon wraps up the episode by stressing that reducing HCP burnout and empowering patients requires teamwork. Simple actions, such as people living with MS utilizing their electronic health records to communicate their priorities and HCPs adjusting their approach by checking in and asking questions, can positively impact both HCPs and patients.

To listen to the full podcast episode, click the button below

For more podcasts on important MS topics, visit the Podcast section of the site here.

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