Orthopaedic Resident Burnout: A Literature Review on Vulnerability, Risk Factors, Consequences and Management...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Orthopaedic surgery residency is physically demanding, characterized by long, unpredictable hours.
• This demanding environment poses a significant risk of burnout, negatively impacting surgeons and patient care.
• Burnout in surgical trainees requires a global analysis of its prevalence and effective management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing literature and determine if orthopaedic resident burnout is a global issue.
• To identify common strategies for addressing burnout at both individual and organizational levels.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, SciELO, and Google Scholar.
• Studies quantifying burnout using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) were prioritized for interpretation.
• Additional studies were reviewed to analyze burnout risk factors, consequences, and management approaches.

Main Results:

• Eight studies utilizing the MBI reported significant burnout among orthopaedic surgery residents.
• High levels of emotional exhaustion (37.2%), depersonalization (48%), and low personal accomplishment (33.1%) were observed.
• These findings indicate a high prevalence of burnout within this surgical specialty.

Conclusions:

• Burnout among orthopaedic surgery residents is a pervasive, global problem.
• Risk factors are multifactorial, influenced by clinical demands and work-life balance.
• Effective management involves individual coping mechanisms (awareness, physical activity, social support) and organizational interventions (duty hour regulation, mentorship, professional recognition).