The Role of Positive Psychology in the Modern Medical Practice

J Med Pract Manage. 2016 Mar-Apr;31(5):287-91.

Abstract

American healthcare has been shrouded in a cloak of negativity for too long. Many doctors are more pessimistic about the state of healthcare than they were even a few decades ago. In spite of extraordinary advances in the clinical aspects of healthcare, the business side of medicine has created a downward spiral in physician spirit, resulting in unnecessary stress, zapped energy, a rise in interpersonal conflict and, ultimately and as a byproduct of this negativity, reduced patient satisfaction. This downward spiral needs to be--and can be--stemmed. This article discuss how insights from the field of positive psychology and social neuroscience can help healthcare providers and their organizations flourish, in both their professional practices and personal lives.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Health Personnel / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Optimism*
  • Patient Care Team
  • Personnel Management
  • Physician's Role / psychology*
  • Practice Management, Medical / organization & administration*
  • Stress, Psychological / physiopathology
  • Stress, Psychological / prevention & control*
  • United States