Physician Burnout among Members of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Abstract

Objective To determine the rate of physician burnout among maternal-fetal medicine subspecialists and identify associated factors. Study Design Noninternational members of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) were surveyed regarding burnout using a validated tool specifically designed for health professionals (Maslach Burnout Inventory—Human Services Survey). Burnout was defined as exceeding established cutoffs for emotional exhaustion or depersonalization. Demographic information and potential contributors associated with the presence of burnout were also examined. Results The survey was sent to 1,220 members and 44.1% of members completed the entire survey. The physician burnout rate was 56.5%. Factors associated with burnout included female gender, being 5 to 20 years in practice, self-perceived burnout, being somewhat or very dissatisfied with career or supervisor and charting for more than 4 hours per day. Factors associated with less burnout were being male, having some protected time for education and regular exercise. Women scored higher on emotional exhaustion and depersonalization and lower personal accomplishment compared with men. Conclusion Physician burnout among the SMFM members is higher than has been reported in other specialties. While some of these factors are modifiable, further study into why women have higher rates of burnout needs to be performed.

Clinical teaching self-efficacy positively predicts professional fulfillment and negatively predicts burnout amongst Thai physicians: a cross-sectional survey

“…Internal factors represent all aspects of an individual, such as gender, age, skills, personality, and perceptions. Many studies have found that female physicians report more mental health issues such as burnout than do male physicians [ 3 , 17 , 23 – 26 ] with work-home conflict proposed as a possible reason for this gender difference [ 3 , 24 , 27 ]. However, some studies have found no significant difference in burnout between male and female physicians [ 2 , 5 , 11 , 26 ].…”

“…Lack of autonomy at work has been found to correspond with higher physician burnout in multiple studies [ 3 , 4 , 27 , 29 ]. Physicians with greater authority or leadership positions have been found to report lower burnout and greater fulfillment [ 23 , 32 ], with academic physicians who experienced conflicts with hospital leaders also reporting higher burnout [ 4 ].…”

Prevalence of Burnout Syndrome in Healthcare Workers in North and South America, and Asia From 2018 to 2022

“…Furthermore, perceived lack of support in work life and at home were strongly associated with burnout [22 p683]. The aim of another study was to identify the prevalence of burnout syndrome among physicians of maternal-fetal medicine (n=538) and its associated factors in the United States [23]. The prevalence of burnout syndrome among respondents was 56,5%, whereas 45,4% of participants faced high levels of EE, 31,4% experienced high levels of DP, and 11% had low PA (MBI-HSS) [23].…”

“…The aim of another study was to identify the prevalence of burnout syndrome among physicians of maternal-fetal medicine (n=538) and its associated factors in the United States [23]. The prevalence of burnout syndrome among respondents was 56,5%, whereas 45,4% of participants faced high levels of EE, 31,4% experienced high levels of DP, and 11% had low PA (MBI-HSS) [23]. Less career satisfaction, dissatisfaction with supervisor, after-work charting, self-perception burnout, and fewer years in practice were positively associated with burnout syndrome [23].…”

Challenges facing workstyle reform for Japanese obstetricians and gynecologists revealed from time studies

“…17 To accomplish this, it is inevitable to regulate and manage working hours of physicians. The overload of working in MFM doctors could increase the rate of burnout more than the doctors in other subspeciality areas, 18 also more than those in Gynecologic Oncology in terms of the subspeciality in OB/GYN. 19 Therefore, working long hours cannot be sustainable for not only the MFM provision system but also individuals of OB/GYN doctors.…”