Perfectionism as a predictor of physician burnout

Abstract

Background Burnout is common among physicians and has detrimental effects on patient care and physician health. Recent editorials call attention to perfectionism in medicine; however, no studies to date have examined the effect of perfectionism on burnout in physicians practicing in the United States. This study examined associations among demographics, perfectionism and personality traits, and burnout among practicing physicians. Methods This cross-sectional study included general pediatric and pediatric sub-specialist physicians. Out of the 152 physicians contacted, 69 enrolled (Meanage = 44.16 ± 9.98; 61% female). Emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment burnout were assessed via the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Validated instruments were used to measure personality and perfectionism. Data were analyzed using linear regression models. Results Across physicians assessed, 42% reported either high emotional exhaustion burnout or depersonalization burnout. High self-critical perfectionism uniquely predicted both high emotional exhaustion burnout (B = 0.55, 95%CI 0.25–0.85) and depersonalization burnout (B = 0.18, 95%CI 0.05–0.31). Low conscientiousness (B = -6.12; 95%CI, -10.95- -1.28) predicted higher emotional exhaustion burnout and low agreeableness (B = -3.20, 95%CI -5.93- -0.46) predicted higher depersonalization burnout. Conclusions Perfectionism is understudied among physicians and the current findings suggest that addressing system and individual-level factors that encourage perfectionism is warranted and may reduce risk for physician burnout.

Physiotherapy Under Pressure: A Cross-Sectional Study on The Interplay Between Perfectionism, Moral Injury, and Burnout

“…This finding is important as clinicians tend to dehumanise patients and colleagues during high levels of burnout, when high levels of exposure to moral injury occurred (ibid). Martin et al 20 found perfectionism to significantly predict emotional exhaustion (β = 0.55, p = <.001) and depersonalisation (β = 0.18, p = .006) in physicians, while Biggs, McKay and Shanmugam 21 showed SPP to be associated with burnout (β = 0.36 p = .001) in physiotherapy students, suggesting perfectionism renders the person vulnerable to burnout. Against this backdrop, we argue the tendency to achieve perfection in the workplace adversely affects performance, placing individuals at risk of burnout.…”

“…Research highlights links between perfectionism, moral injury, and burnout. 13,20 For example, Testoni et al 13 found a relationship (r .20 p = <.001) between moral injury and burnout in clinicians. This finding is important as clinicians tend to dehumanise patients and colleagues during high levels of burnout, when high levels of exposure to moral injury occurred (ibid).…”

“…The relationship between perfectionism, burnout and moral injury has also not been explored. Given the established associations of both perfectionism and moral injury with burnout in the literature 13,20 , and considering perfectionism predicts moral injury, it is reasonable to infer a connection between these variables. These three variables, despite limited research, each demonstrated statistical significance in healthcare professionals worldwide, with no data, however, pertaining to perfectionism, moral injury and burnout in UK-based physiotherapists.…”

Are we selecting the right medical students?

“…Such students are (almost by definition) perfectionists by nature and there is evidence to suggest that these individuals are particularly susceptible to moral stress, burnout and the mental health problems that ensue. 4,5…”

“…Such students are (almost by definition) perfectionists by nature and there is evidence to suggest that these individuals are particularly susceptible to moral stress, burnout and the mental health problems that ensue. 4,5 Other elements of the selection process are also in need of reform: personal statements may be heavily edited, or even ghost written, and work experience, now demanded by almost all medical schools, is of variable quality and relevance and often obtained randomly, as a result of parental connections favouring students from more privileged, and betterconnected backgrounds. Medicine aptitude tests such as UCAT and BMAT are useful; however, students from good schools often receive coaching tailored to these tests, as well as for interviews.…”