A Ten-Year Longitudinal Analysis of Resident Burnout Scores

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

10-20-2024

Abstract

Introduction: Burnout is a work-related syndrome characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment. The prevalence is well above 50% amongst physicians. The syndrome can present as a varying combination of energy exhaustion, feelings of negativism to one’s job, and reduced professional efficacy. The effects of burnout may include working fewer hours, reduced quality of care, relocation, and an increased risk of developing alcoholism, depression, and suicide. Given the detriments of burnout, it has become imperative to better understand physician wellness and their responses to surveys aimed at uncovering burnout. Our study seeks to shed light on how resident physicians respond to a burnout inventory survey, contributing to a better understanding of this issue. Methods: Anesthesiology residents from Corewell Health’s Anesthesiology Residency Program who were in the graduating classes of 2015-2024 received two surveys each training year. They received one survey midway and another at the end of the year, spanning from PGY-1 to CA-3. The survey is a modified 12-question version of the 22-question Maslach Burnout Inventory - Human Services Survey for Medical Personnel. The survey covers: Emotional Exhaustion (EE), Depersonalization (DP), and Personal Accomplishment (PA). Residents scored each question with a frequency rating: Never, A few times a year or less, Once a month or less, A few times a month, Once a week, A few times a week, or Every day. Results: A total of 75 anesthesiology residents were surveyed, with 58 providing consistent responses across their four training years. There was no significant difference in burnout scores among residents over the course of their training period. Notably, our analysis revealed responses to Q. 1 and 8 exhibited the lowest standard deviations (SD), 0.45 and 0.37. These questions assess the efficacy of handling patients' issues and the level of empathy towards patients. Q. 1 pertains to PA, indicating that residents possess a robust sense of achievement in their patient care endeavors. Q. 8 evaluates DP, which refers to a sense of disconnection from one's body or surroundings. Severe depersonalization is indicative of a profound mental health disorder. Q. 4 exhibited the highest SD of 1.57. This question assesses EE. This variability in responses can be attributed to the subjective nature of measuring emotional states such as fatigue, which can vary significantly among individuals based on factors such as workload, health, and sleep patterns. Additionally, 15% of respondents throughout their training reported thinking of giving up medicine for another career “a few times a year”. 18% of respondents regretted their decision to become a doctor “a few times a year”. Only 35% of respondents reported that they reflect on the satisfaction they get from being a doctor “every day” and 32% reported “a few times a week.”Conclusion: Resilience is known to be a powerful antidote to burnout. When faced with life stressors, resilient individuals demonstrate the ability to bounce back from adversity, adapt to changing circumstances, and maintain a sense of purpose and motivation. They possess strong self-awareness, recognizing their limitations and seeking support when needed. Resilience enables individuals to maintain a positive outlook, fostering a sense of control over their circumstances and reducing the risk of depersonalization or detachment from their patients. By cultivating resilience among medical residents, institutions can empower their workforce to withstand the pressures of their roles, reduce burnout rates, and ensure the delivery of compassionate care to patients. Further investigation of the personal and environmental factors that impact resilience and burnout are crucial in counteracting the detrimental effects this syndrome may pose on physicians and patient care.

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American Society of Anesthesiologists Annual Meeting, October 18-22, 2024, Philadelphia, PA

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