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Work related stress among gynecologic oncologists
Lois M Ramondetta1, Diana Urbauer, Alaina J Brown
1Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA. lramonde@mdanderson.org
Gynecologic Oncology
|July 23, 2011
Summary
Work-related stress in gynecologic oncologists is linked to death anxiety and a belief that external forces control outcomes, particularly in younger, less experienced physicians. These factors also correlate with difficulty discussing death.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Psychology
- Medical Education
Background:
- Physician burnout is a significant issue, affecting up to one-third of oncologists.
- Gynecologic oncologists (GOs) face unique stressors in their practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify correlates of work-related stress (WRS) among gynecologic oncologists.
- To explore demographic, psychological, and spiritual factors associated with WRS and burnout in this specialty.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to 273 International Gynecologic Cancer Society members using an online tool.
- The survey assessed work-related stress, burnout, death anxiety (DA), and locus of control (LOC).
Main Results:
- Work-related stress correlated with death anxiety (r=0.23, p=0.0006).
- Younger age (p=0.01), fewer years post-training (p=0.0286), and specific locus of control beliefs (Chance: r=0.18, p=0.007; Powerful Other: r=0.30, p<0.0001; Internality: r=-0.30, p<0.0001) were associated with higher WRS.
- WRS did not correlate with religion, religiosity, race, or gender.
Conclusions:
- Younger and less experienced GOs report higher WRS, particularly when their locus of control is external (chance or powerful others).
- These characteristics in GOs also correlate with higher death anxiety and challenges in discussing end-of-life issues.
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