Original Article

Burnout in Residency: A Statewide Study

Authors: Joseph A. Garza, MD, Karen M. Schneider, MD, Pamela Promecene, MD, Manju Monga, MD

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of burnout in residents in obstetrics and gynecology through the use of a validated tool.


Methods: The Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services questionnaire is a previously validated tool that measures burnout. Obstetrics and gynecology residents from Texas were invited to participate in this study in 2002. The Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services questionnaire and a demographic survey were distributed to each resident. Responses were anonymous and returned by mail. Contingency coefficient and χ2 tests were used for analysis; values of P < 0.05 were significant.


Results: Residents (n = 368) from 17 programs in Texas were surveyed. Responses were received from 14 programs (82.4%), with 136 surveys (37%) returned. Overall, 38.2% reported high emotional exhaustion, 47.1% reported high depersonalization, and 19.1% reported reduced personal accomplishment. The number of residents experiencing true burnout (high emotional exhaustion, high depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment) was 17.6% (n = 24).


Conclusions: High levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization occur in some residents. Burnout in residents included in this study was approximately 18%.


Key Points


* Thirty-eight percent of residents reported a high degree of emotional exhaustion.


* Forty-seven percent of residents reported a high degree of depersonalization.


* Eighteen percent of residents met criteria for the burnout syndrome.


* Burnout did not correlate with work hours, marital status, or having children.


* Female residents were more likely to show evidence of burnout.

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