Burnout among French GPs in training: a cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Public Health
• Occupational Health

Background:

• General Practitioner (GP) trainees are vital to the French healthcare system.
• Burnout is a recognized issue among medical trainees.
• Understanding burnout prevalence is key to ensuring future healthcare quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence and factors associated with burnout among French GP trainees.
• To provide a national overview of trainee burnout.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive, epidemiological, cross-sectional study was conducted in France.
• Anonymous questionnaires were distributed to 6309 GP trainees.
• The Maslach Burnout Inventory and questions on working conditions were used.

Main Results:

• A 64.2% response rate yielded 4050 valid questionnaires.
• High emotional exhaustion was reported by 16.0%, depersonalization by 33.8%, and low personal accomplishment by 38.9%.
• Burnout correlated with workload, lack of recognition, emergency department work, and insufficient private life.

Conclusions:

• This is the first national survey on burnout in French GP trainees.
• Findings indicate significant burnout levels, particularly depersonalization, impacting the French public health system.
• Recommendations include improved employment contracts, phased responsibility, and enhanced outpatient training.