Etiology of Burnout in Canadian Radiologists and Trainees

Abstract

Purpose: There is worsening of burnout symptoms experienced by radiologists and trainees. We explored potential factors that exacerbate burnout symptoms observed in the Canadian radiological community and currently available protective factors as next steps for establishing viable solutions for burnout. Methods: An 11-question electronic survey was distributed to Canadian radiologists and trainees through the Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR). Approval from a local ethics board and the CAR were obtained. The survey contained demographics-related questions as well as questions based on common risk factors for burnout. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed. Results: The survey was distributed to 2200 CAR members, and a response rate of 23.3% was achieved. Most radiologists experienced frequent unexpected high workload with no statistically significant difference by the type of practice. Trainees experienced a statistically significantly ( P < .0001) higher frequency of on-call shifts compared to staff radiologists. A statistically significant difference ( P < .0001) was observed for perceived threats to career longevity dependent on length of career. Although support mechanisms for radiology were perceived as available, survey commentary suggested inefficiency in their usage and lack of prioritization, which was a trend observed across all types of practice. Conclusions: While there is awareness for radiology needs, changes are required at the workplace level to reduce burnout symptoms at their source. Communication between radiologists and hospital administration, as well as among radiology group members, is key to prioritize radiology needs in our imaging-driven era of health care.

CARJ 2021: Year in Review

“…However, radiologists felt that their concerns were not being heard at a systemic level. 2 This study was in agreement with a previous study that also reported high levels of burnout in Canadian radiology residents (51%) and identified poor work-life balance and harassment or intimidation as major stressors. 3 This work was performed before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.…”

Prevalence of burnout syndrome during the COVID-19 pandemic and associated factors

“…The consequences of burnout are not limited to the health of the workers, but also affect the quality of care provided and organisational well-being. 14 , 15 The prevalence of burnout syndrome had already increased in most Western countries even before the pandemic as a result of high levels of stress and the constant increase in workload. 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 It may well be that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated an existing problem within generally overburdened health systems, thus increasing the prevalence of this syndrome.…”

Burnout Exacerbation due to COVID-19 Pandemic

“…We read with great interest the article by Zha and colleagues 1 on radiologists’ and radiology trainee burnout. Of note, their study became available online on Feb 28, 2020, immediately before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada.…”