Burnout within UK surgical specialties: a systematic review

Burnout is of growing concern within the surgical workforce, having been shown to result in reduced job satisfaction, decreased patient satisfaction and higher rates of medical errors. Determining the extent of burnout and identifying its risk factors within UK surgical practice is essential to ensure appropriate interventions can be implemented to improve mental wellbeing.

A systematic search of PubMed, Medline, Embase, PsychINFO and Cochrane databases was performed, following PRISMA guidelines. Studies published between January 2000 and October 2019 that reported prevalence data or risk factors on burnout for surgeons working within the UK and/or the Republic of Ireland were included.

Ten papers met the inclusion criteria. The overall prevalence of burnout amongst surgeons in the UK was 32.0% (IQR 28.9-41.0%), with surgical trainees having the highest prevalence (59.0%) of burnout documented for any subgroup. The most common risk factors identified for burnout were younger surgeon age and lower clinical grade. Being married or living with a partner was found to be protective.

Burnout is highly prevalent in UK surgical specialties, mostly amongst surgical trainees. Targeted pre-emptive interventions based upon relevant risk factors for burnout should be prioritised, at both individual and institutional levels.