Well-Being Parameters and Intention to Leave Current Institution Among Academic Physicians

Area of Science:

• Medical Research
• Healthcare Management
• Physician Well-being

Background:

• Physician turnover disrupts healthcare delivery and incurs significant financial costs for healthcare systems.
• Understanding the factors contributing to physicians' intention to leave (ITL) is vital for workforce stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of burnout, professional fulfillment, and ITL among physicians in academic healthcare settings.
• To identify individual and institutional factors associated with physicians' ITL.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was administered to 37,511 attending physicians across 15 academic medical institutions.
• Data collection occurred between October 2019 and July 2021, with statistical analysis from May 2022 to March 2023.
• Intention to leave (ITL) was defined as a moderate or greater intention to leave within two years.

Main Results:

• 32.6% of surveyed physicians reported moderate or higher ITL.
• Burnout (OR, 1.52) and lack of professional fulfillment (OR, 0.64) were significantly associated with ITL.
• Supportive leadership, peer support, values alignment, perceived gratitude, organizational support for COVID-19, and EHR helpfulness were inversely associated with ITL.

Conclusions:

• A substantial proportion of academic physicians express intention to leave their institutions.
• Burnout, professional fulfillment, and various workplace factors significantly influence physician retention.
• Comprehensive strategies addressing physician well-being are necessary to mitigate turnover.