Wellness in Canadian paediatric residents and their program directors

This study aimed to explore the prevalence of and identify risk factors for depression and burnout in paediatric residents and paediatric program directors (PDs) in Canada.

Residents and PDs completed separate anonymous online surveys consisting of demographic questions, the Maslach Burnout Inventory and the Patient Health Questionnaire-2, which screens for risk of depression.

A total of 166 paediatric residents completed the survey representing 14/17 Canadian paediatric residency programs. Participants were 74% female. Twenty-four (14%) were at risk of depression and 69 (42%) met criteria for burnout. Burnout was associated with year of residency (P=0.03), with third year residents at highest risk. Residents who reported unhelpful wellness curricula were at risk of burnout (81.3%) compared with those with no wellness curricula (51.1%) or curricula reported as helpful (29.1%, P=0.01). More than 79% of residents at risk of depression also met criteria for burnout (P=0.01). No associations were identified for risk of depression.Seventeen of 21 Canadian PDs completed the survey. No PDs were identified as at risk for depression. Five PDs (29%) met criteria for burnout.

Paediatric PDs in Canada have relatively low rates of burnout and depression. In contrast, a large number of Canadian paediatric residents met criteria for burnout. Residents in programs with wellness curricula described as helpful are at lowest risk of burnout. Future research should include identifying features that define helpful wellness curricula and exploring interventions to help residents at risk of burnout and depression.