Contributors to Physician Burnout and Well-Being in Forensic Psychiatrists in Canada

The experience of burnout in forensic psychiatrists has not been well studied, with most studies focusing on the experiences of forensic nurses, the impact of vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue in forensic mental health professionals, and the risk of posttraumatic stress disorder related to workplace exposures. This study reports on a national survey (34% response rate) conducted with forensic psychiatrists across Canada to understand the rate of, and contributors to, burnout and professional fulfillment. Just over half of the physician respondents reported experiencing burnout, which is in line with other recent surveys in Canada that have indicated elevated levels of burnout since the onset of the pandemic. The highest rates were found among early-career psychiatrists and those whose values did not align with their workplace. Intellectual stimulation, the interface with the legal system, and flexibility in one's job were all strongly linked with professional fulfillment. The goal of this survey was not only to identify rates and variables affecting burnout and wellness in this population but also to expand the dialogue on potential interventions at institutional and systems levels that can reduce burnout, promote professional fulfillment, and enhance recruitment and retention in the field of forensic psychiatry.