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Physician Mental Health and Well-Being pp 195–209Cite as

Cognitive Changes and Physician Performance: Causes, Clinical Implications, and Treatment

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Part of the book series: Integrating Psychiatry and Primary Care ((IPPC))

Abstract

Just like their patients, physicians are susceptible to a variety of medical, neurological, and psychiatric conditions that have the potential to impair cognitive functioning which can lead to declines in patient care. Given the nature of the work environment, physicians are also at greater risk of problems related to stress and sleep deprivation, factors that can also impact cognition. Early recognition of potential problems on the part of the individual physician and the clinical institution is key. Having a model in place that triggers mechanisms for a comprehensive assessment of the problem, development of remediation or accommodation plans, and guidance throughout will maximize successful outcomes while protecting patient safety.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    As this book was going to press, ACGME announced that it would remove the 16-h limit for PGY-1s and extend it to 24 h.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Neuropsychology Section, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    Carol C. Persad Ph.D. & Linas A. Bieliauskas Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Carol C. Persad Ph.D.
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  2. Linas A. Bieliauskas Ph.D.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Carol C. Persad Ph.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA

    Kirk J. Brower

  2. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA

    Michelle B. Riba

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Persad, C.C., Bieliauskas, L.A. (2017). Cognitive Changes and Physician Performance: Causes, Clinical Implications, and Treatment. In: Brower, K., Riba, M. (eds) Physician Mental Health and Well-Being. Integrating Psychiatry and Primary Care. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-55583-6_9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-55583-6_9

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  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-55583-6

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