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

Abstract

Objective To ascertain the prevalence of and associations with distress and professional burnout among academic otolaryngology attending physicians. Study Design Cross-sectional survey. Setting Twelve US academic otolaryngology programs. Methods A questionnaire was administered that encompassed sociodemographic and professional features, the Expanded Physician Well-being Index for distress, the 2-item Maslach Burnout Inventory for professional burnout, the Patient Health Questionnaire–2 screen for major depressive disorder, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder–2 screen for generalized anxiety disorder. Results The survey response rate was 56% and included 186 attending physicians. The average respondent age was 47 years; 72% were men; 93% were married or partnered; and 86% had children. Distress was present in 40%, professional burnout in 26%, positive depression screening in 8%, and positive anxiety screening in 11%. In a univariable setting, age, hours worked in a typical week, nights on call in a typical week, and years of practice were significantly associated with distress, although in a multivariable setting, only hours worked in a typical week remained significantly associated with a positive Expanded Physician Well-being Index screen (odds ratio for each 10-hour increase, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.73-3.93; P < .001). In a univariable setting, hours worked in a typical week was significantly associated with a positive Maslach Burnout Inventory screen. Conclusion Distress or professional burnout occurs in more than a quarter of academic otolaryngology attending physicians, whereas the prevalence of depression or anxiety is approximately 10%. The number of hours worked per week had the strongest association with distress and burnout. These findings may be used to develop and implement programs to promote physician well-being and mitigate professional burnout.

Burnout and well‐being in otolaryngology trainees: A systematic review

“…Seven articles analyzed the impact of ACGME work hour restrictions on resident burnout and well‐being. The impact of ACGME work hour restrictions has been closely examined in many studies 10,14 ; several studies have specifically examined the impact of work hour restrictions on otolaryngology residents 10,13,15,16 …”

“…The impact of ACGME work hour restrictions has been closely examined in many studies 10,14 ; several studies have specifically examined the impact of work hour restrictions on otolaryngology residents. 10,13,15,16 In 2003, Baldwin et al 6 burden. 19 This study also found that 33% of PDs felt that the imposed work hour restrictions had a negative effect on patient care.…”