Recognizing and preventing burnout among orthopaedic leaders

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Occupational Health
• Medical Education

Background:

• Burnout, emotional exhaustion, and stress are prevalent in the medical field, particularly within orthopaedic surgery.
• Identifying factors contributing to burnout is crucial for supporting surgeons' well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify variables associated with burnout among orthopaedic surgery leaders using validated instruments.
• To explore risk factors and early warning signs of burnout and emotional exhaustion in this demographic.

Main Methods:

• A survey was distributed to 282 academic orthopaedic surgery department leaders in the U.S.
• A response rate of 69% (195 leaders) was achieved, providing data on workload, stressors, and personal-professional balance.

Main Results:

• The average orthopaedic surgeon worked 68.3 hours weekly, with over half dedicated to patient care.
• Key stressors included excessive workload, financial pressures, academic advancement, and faculty issues.
• Imbalance between personal and professional life was a significant risk factor for emotional exhaustion.

Conclusions:

• Early indicators of burnout include irritability, withdrawal, and family disagreements.
• Orthopaedic leaders can mitigate stress by adopting strategies from other high-stress professions.
• Strengthening family support, enhancing stress management, and improving efficiency are vital for preventing burnout and emotional exhaustion.