Burnout is a work-related syndrome that occurs in occupations where others’ needs come first, and where there are high demands, few resources and a disconnect between workers’ expectations and experiences1
Burnout is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization or feelings of detachment and cynicism toward people and work, and a reduced sense of accomplishment.1 In contrast, the absence of burnout may be an indicator of physician wellness, which translates into engagement and satisfaction with work, and a sense of thriving in physical, emotional and social health.1,2
Many physicians experience symptoms of burnout, which often begin in medical school and increase during residency training2–5
Risk factors for burnout include organizational factors such as workload and lack of autonomy, and personal factors such as female gender.1–5 Resources for physicians experiencing burnout are shown in Box 1.
Physicians with burnout experience its effects in both their professional and personal lives2–5
Burnout is associated with depression, suicidal ideation and substance abuse, as well as unprofessional behaviour, reduction in work hours and medical errors.2–5
Burnout is difficult to recognize and address in oneself and in colleagues
Few physicians who self-identify as burnt out seek outside help, and physicians are cautious about reporting distressed colleagues.2 This is in part owing to perceived stigma, denial and avoidance as coping strategies, and concerns about licensing.2
Strategies to improve physician wellness should target organizations as well as individual physicians3–5
Two recent meta-analyses show that organization-directed interventions, such as increased autonomy and scheduling changes, are associated with a moderate but substantial reduction in physician burnout.4,5 These interventions may be more effective than physician-directed ones, such as mindfulness training and stress-management techniques, although combined approaches are likely the most successful.4,5
Footnotes
CMAJ Podcasts: author interview at https://soundcloud.com/cmajpodcasts/170827-five
Competing interests: None declared.
This article has been peer reviewed.
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- Burnout is a work-related syndrome that occurs in occupations where others’ needs come first, and where there are high demands, few resources and a disconnect between workers’ expectations and experiences1
- Many physicians experience symptoms of burnout, which often begin in medical school and increase during residency training2–5
- Physicians with burnout experience its effects in both their professional and personal lives2–5
- Burnout is difficult to recognize and address in oneself and in colleagues
- Strategies to improve physician wellness should target organizations as well as individual physicians3–5
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