Understanding Burnout among Surgical residents: a mixed method study

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Psychology
• Surgical Training

Background:

• Burnout is a prevalent issue in healthcare professions, particularly affecting surgeons and surgical residents.
• Understanding the nuances of burnout in surgical residents is crucial for their well-being and professional development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence and levels of academic burnout among surgical residents.
• To explore the lived experiences and coping strategies related to burnout in this population.
• To identify proposed strategies for mitigating academic burnout in surgical residency programs.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods study combining quantitative and qualitative approaches was conducted.
• Quantitative phase: 114 surgical residents surveyed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey.
• Qualitative phase: Thematic analysis of data from surgical residents to identify burnout experiences and strategies.

Main Results:

• A significant majority of surgical residents (62.73%) reported moderate levels of academic burnout.
• 10% of residents experienced mild to severe burnout, while 27.27% reported no burnout.
• Qualitative analysis revealed three main themes: experienced burnout, coping strategies, and proposed interventions.

Conclusions:

• Academic burnout is a substantial threat to surgical residents' motivation and academic performance.
• There is a high incidence of burnout among surgical residents, exceeding initial predictions.
• Educational stakeholders must address the consequences of academic burnout and implement targeted interventions to support residents.