Burnout on the rise among anesthesiologists since pandemic

Editor's Note

A November 2022 survey of American Society of Anesthesiologists members found that, post-pandemic, anesthesiologists are experiencing unprecedented levels of workplace stress and staffing shortages. The findings were published in the November 2023 issue of the journal Anesthesiology. 

The authors surveyed the US attending members of the American Society of Anesthesiologists in November 2022–2,698 individuals in total. The findings include:

• 18.9% of the respondents reported burnout syndrome
• 67% were classified as being at high risk of burnout
• participants were deemed high risk for burnout if they exhibited emotional exhaustion and/or depersonalization
• they were deemed as having burnout syndrome if they demonstrated all three burnout dimensions concurrently
• perceived support and staffing shortages were found to be the predominant variables associated with burnout.

The researchers assessed burnout using the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey with additional questions relating to workplace and demographic factors. They concluded that interventions are needed to address the drivers of burnout and improve well-being among US attending anesthesiologists.