Burnout in Chest Physicians after Health Care Reforms: A Cross-Sectional Study in Turkey

The health reform has recently been one of the most important items on the agenda worldwide. The aim of this study is to investigate burnout syndrome in chest physicians and exhibit its connection with reform processes.

In this survey, the "Socio-demographic Data Form" and "Maslach Burnout Inventory" were used. Between September and November 2016, chest physicians were reached with permissions by expertise associations via e-mail groups. A sample size of 352 physicians was included in the study out of 2,349 chest physicians in Turkey.

Among 352 physicians, 238 (67.60%) were women, and the mean age was 38.93 (±9.97). Higher burnout scores were determined in young physicians (aged ≤35), residents, those with low income, and those with ≥55 weekly working hours. The performance-based salary system was regarded as a problem by 84.7%, and 83.5% stated that they had not enough leisure time for themselves and their families. More than a half (55.7%) indicated that they would not choose the same specialty if they ever had a chance to choose again.

We observed that most of chest physicians in Turkey experience burnout syndrome, which might be influenced by reforms in the health care system. The health system and working conditions should be dealt with immediately by health authorities and reformed in accordance with human dignity and rights to life.