Changes in Burnout and Satisfaction With Work-Life Integration Among U.S. Residents and Fellows and the General U.S....

This study compares the prevalence of occupational burnout, depression, and satisfaction with work-life integration (WLI) among U.S. residents and fellows (trainees) with that of U.S. physicians and the general U.S. workforce and examines the current point prevalence of burnout and satisfaction with WLI among trainees relative to 2012.

Between November 30, 2023, and January 2, 2024, U.S. trainees were surveyed using methods similar to a 2012 study. A sample of practicing U.S. physicians and a probability-based sample of the U.S. working population were surveyed at a similar timepoint. Burnout was assessed using the emotional exhaustion and depersonalization scales of the Maslach Burnout Inventory, depression using the Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System depression scale, and satisfaction with WLI with a previously used standardized item.

Surveys were completed by 3,486 of 58,127 trainees (6.0%). Nonresponder analysis suggested participants were representative of U.S. trainees with respect to burnout and depression. A higher proportion of trainees than practicing physicians had burnout symptoms (1,376 of 3,486 [50.0%] vs 3,023 of 7,643 [45.2%]; P < .001). In pooled analysis of trainees and similarly aged U.S. workers in other fields, adjusting for age, gender, and relationship status, trainees were at higher risk for burnout (odds ratio [OR], 1.50; 95% CI, 1.27-1.77) but lower risk for moderate or severe depression (OR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.63-0.93). In pooled multivariable analysis of trainees from the 2012 and 2023 surveys, adjusting for year in training, relationship status, and specialty, trainees in 2023 had lower odds of burnout than those who responded in 2012 (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.61-0.81).

Burnout among U.S. trainees was lower in 2023 than 2012. Despite this improvement, trainees remain at higher risk for burnout than workers in other fields. Continued efforts are needed to optimize trainee education, preparedness for practice, and well-being.