Understanding the Relationship Between Burnout, Quality of Life, and Career Intentions in Emergency Medicine

Physician burnout has become a critical issue in healthcare, particularly among emergency medicine physicians, who face unique stressors that can compromise their well-being and quality of life. This study investigates the relationship between burnout and quality of life in emergency medicine physicians and how these factors influence their intent to remain in practice.

In August 2024, a survey was distributed to 103 emergency physicians to assess burnout using the Maslach Burnout Inventory and quality of life using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF survey. Demographic information and intentions regarding their continued practice in emergency medicine were also collected. Statistical analyses, including independent samples t-test, Pearson's correlation and multiple regression, were performed to examine relationships among variables.

Most respondents (77.7%) were identified as being at high risk for burnout. Most physicians reported a high quality of life despite significant burnout rates, with the lowest score being psychological health (M = 66.24, SD = 18.97) while the highest being physical health (M = 76.06, SD = 13.38). There was a statistically significant association between all burnout domains and the quality of life subgroups. Emotional exhaustion showed a strong negative correlation with psychological health (r = -0.634, P < 0.01) and social relationships (r = -0.358, P < 0.01). At the same time, personal accomplishment correlated positively with both psychological health (r = 0.525, P < 0.01) and social relationships (r = 0.317, P < 0.01). A statistically significant negative correlation existed between emotional exhaustion and depersonalization and the physician's years of intended practice (r = -.127, P = .010). Using multiple linear regression, physical and psychological health significantly predicted emotional exhaustion and psychological health significantly predicted depersonalization.

This study highlights the high prevalence of burnout among emergency medicine physicians and its significant impact on their quality of life and professional intentions. Furthermore, physical and psychological quality of life substantially influences emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive interventions to address burnout and enhance well-being in this demanding specialty to promote retention and improve patient care.