Burnout in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery: A Single Academic Center Experience

Abstract

Burnout in modern medicine is becoming more recognized and researched. The objective in this study is to evaluate burnout in a tertiary care academic institution and compare results among faculty, trainees, and advanced practice practitioners (APPs) in a cross-sectional survey using the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Fifty-two surveys were distributed; 44 participants completed the survey (85%): 25 staff physicians (57%), 14 resident physicians (32%), and 5 nurse practitioners (11%). Staff physicians had low emotional exhaustion, moderate depersonalization, and low result for reduced personal accomplishments; trainees reported low emotional exhaustion, high depersonalization, and moderate reduced personal accomplishment; and nurse practitioners reported moderate on all 3 dimensions. There is overall low burnout in this tertiary care academic center of otolaryngologist providers and no difference in rates among the different groups (trainees, APPs, staff). Measures addressing specific deficiencies among dimensions of burnout would be helpful to prevent disintegration of physician satisfaction into burnout.

The novel corona virus and rhinology: Impact on practice patterns and future directions

“…Several news reports have suggested a potential for healthcare workers to suffer long-term sequelae such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) once this pandemic "passes" [7][8][9] and the, AAO-HNSF, the ARS and other relevant organizations should probably make resources available to address this potential consequence, particularly with such an overwhelming number of rhinologists reporting an emotional or psychological impact. Furthermore, these experiences may contribute to burnout among otolaryngologists, a topic that has been well documented in previous analyses [10][11][12][13][14]. Prior analyses have noted numerous factors contributing to otolaryngology burnout, including hours per week worked, younger age, length of time in practice, and being married and having children [10].…”

Prevalence of and Associations With Distress and Professional Burnout Among Otolaryngologists: Part II, Attending Physicians

“…In addition to direct hours spent on campus, approximately 40% of attending physicians completed routine work-related tasks after work hours on a daily basis. 21 Furthermore, these estimates may not even account for indirect time spent on nonclinical duties, such as research and educational tasks, which are commonly accomplished at home in the evenings and during weekends.…”

“…Similarly, overall 83% reported working at least 10 hours per shift, as compared with 94% among those who screened positive for physician distress and 89% among those who screened positive for professional burnout. In addition to direct hours spent on campus, approximately 40% of attending physicians completed routine work‐related tasks after work hours on a daily basis 21 . Furthermore, these estimates may not even account for indirect time spent on nonclinical duties, such as research and educational tasks, which are commonly accomplished at home in the evenings and during weekends.…”

“…18,19 However, 2 other single-center studies reported a much lower prevalence by comparison. 20,21 Furthermore, few studies have incorporated assessments of depression and anxiety-2 distinct highly prevalent conditions that adversely affect well-being. Thus, the primary objective of this study is to further define the prevalence of physician distress, burnout, and features of depression and anxiety among academic otolaryngology attending physicians and to explore associations between these conditions and extended sociodemographic and professional features.…”

“…Two consecutive studies by Golub et al determined that up to 70% of academic otolaryngologists and up to 86% of otolaryngology trainees exhibit moderate or high levels of burnout 18 , 19 . However, 2 other single‐center studies reported a much lower prevalence by comparison 20 , 21 . Furthermore, few studies have incorporated assessments of depression and anxiety—2 distinct highly prevalent conditions that adversely affect well‐being.…”