Burnout in Canadian Physiatrists: A National Cross-sectional Survey

The prevalence of burnout in Canadian physiatrists is unknown. This study describes the prevalence of burnout in Canadian physiatrists and explores predictors.

This national cross-sectional web-based survey used convenience sampling, targeting Canadian physiatrists (staff, fellows, residents). The Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys was used to ensure reporting quality. Statistical analyses included descriptives, correlations, and logistic regressions. Survey items included personal and professional characteristics, and validated measures for burnout, relational compassion, emotion regulation, and moral injury.

One hundred eighteen responses were collected from a possible 501 physiatrists across Canada. Majority were female (53%), White North American (55%), and working in an urban setting (93%). Forty-two percent ( n = 50) had burnout, 43% moral injury, and 40% difficulties regulating emotions. Burnout was more likely in females ( P = 0.0064; odds ratio 5.24, 95% confidence interval 1.60-17.3), and White respondents ( P = 0.0213; odds ratio 0.24, 95% confidence interval 0.07-0.81). Higher relational compassion conferred a lower risk of burnout ( P = 0.0006; odds ratio 0.80, 95% confidence interval 0.71-0.91); greater difficulty regulating emotions predicted higher risk of burnout ( P = 0.0406; odds ratio 1.06, 95% confidence interval 1.00-1.11), and moral injury ( P < 0.0001; 95% odds ratio 1.16, 95% confidence interval 1.09-1.24).

Burnout affects 4 in 10 Canadian physiatrists. Physiatrists who are female, White, and report greater difficulties regulating emotions are at greater risk.