Burnout among general surgery residents

Editor's Note

A survey of general surgery residents in the US finds high rates of burnout.

Of 665 residents surveyed, 69% met the criterion for burnout in at least one of three subscales. Higher rates of burnout on each subscale were reported by residents planning private practice compared with academic careers.

More women reported burnout on Emotional Exhaustion and Personal Accomplishment subscales. Higher rates of  burnout on Emotional Exhaustion and Depersonalization subscales were associated with higher number of work hours per week.

A structured mentoring program was linked with lower burnout on each subscale.

The high rates of burnout in surgical residents are concerning, given the potential impact of burnout on quality of care, the authors say.

Burnout is a complex syndrome of emotional distress that can disproportionately affect individuals who work in health care professions.