Global Health Experiences, Well-Being, and Burnout: Findings From a National Longitudinal Study

Describe the demographics of pediatric and internal medicine/pediatric residents participating in global health (GH) experiences and examine relationships between GH involvement and self-perceived burnout, resilience, mindfulness, empathy, and spirituality.

The Pediatric Resident Burnout and Resilience Study Consortium developed a national longitudinal study through collaboration with the Association of Pediatric Program Directors' Longitudinal Educational Assessment Research Network. Electronic surveys were administered to pediatric trainees annually (2016-2018). GH and well-being data were extracted. Descriptive statistics were calculated.

Of 9653 eligible pediatric and medicine/pediatric residents from 55 institutions, 6150 responded to the survey in 1 or more years, with average completion rate of 63.7% over a 3-year period. Controlling for repeat survey-takers, 12.7% (536/4213) of residents reported involvement in a GH-specific pathway, curricula, or track. GH participants were significantly more likely to be unmarried (P < .001), childless (P = .003), and medicine/pediatric trainees (P < .001). Controlling for repeated measures and demographic factors, GH participants demonstrated higher levels of empathic concern (P < .001) and higher spirituality scores in 2 of 3 domains (P < .01/<.05). GH involvement was not associated with lower reports of burnout or improved resilience/mindfulness.

Although GH involvement is associated with increased levels of empathy and spirituality, it was not protective against burnout in this study. This highlights the need to study and promote the well-being of all residents, and perhaps especially those experiencing the challenges of working in low-resource settings. Future efforts should determine the impact of predeparture training, programmatic support, and post-trip debriefing on resident well-being.