Studies have shown that physician burnout results in substantial professional and institutional problems. Physicians suffering from burnout often depersonalize their patients, leading to poor bedside manner, lack of compassion, and difficulty connecting with patients. Patients treated by burnt-out physicians are substantially less satisfied than patients treated by healthy peers.
Locum tenens providers can immediately reduce the workload on staff physicians and oftentimes accept less desirable rotations or call shifts, relieving existing staff.
Locum tenens providers can also step in to fully cover for a physician who needs a vacation, but has been unable to take one due to coverage needs.