Empathy, Burnout, and Perceived Stress Among Postgraduate Medical Trainees in India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Specialty training has eroded empathy among residents, worsening burnout and perceived stress. With long working hours, limited resources and the need for a competent and compassionate workforce in India, the dearth of literature on burnout, empathy and stress among trainees is apparent.

We assessed the prevalence of empathy among postgraduate residents in India in correlation with burnout and perceived stress.

This was a cross-sectional descriptive multicenter study conducted in India in 2024. An anonymous tailored questionnaire was disseminated to postgraduate residents in India using google forms. Empathy and perceived stress were assessed using Short-Form 8-Item Empathy Quotient (EQ-8) questionnaire and Perceived Stress Scale-4 (PSS-4) respectively. Burnout was assessed using components of Maslach Burnout Index.

249 of 400 invited residents (response rate: 62.25%) participated in this study. Women had higher mean EQ-8 scores (men: 7.5 ± 3.5, women: 9.1 ± 3.5, p = 0.000) and lower PSS-4 (p = 0.000). Residents identifying as mentors to juniors had significantly higher EQ-8 (p = 0.009), significantly lower PSS-4 (p = 0.014), and lower EE (p = 0.011) and DP (p = 0.011). Long working hours with less time to study and for personal endeavors was significantly associated with lower PSS-4, lower EE, and lower DP scores. There was a linear correlation between DP and PSS-4, and EE and PSS-4, irrespective of EQ-8.

Women and residents identifying as mentors to juniors had significantly higher empathy. Female residents and those working in a supportive environment with fewer working hours were less burnt out and less stressed.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43465-025-01491-6.