Burnout among trauma surgeons: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Burnout is increasingly recognized as a critical occupational issue impacting physician well-being and patient care. Although surgeons are known to experience high burnout rates, the specific burden among trauma surgeons remains poorly researched. This systematic review and meta-analysis focuses on burnout exclusively among trauma surgeons. We aim to analyze the prevalence of burnout among trauma surgeons and identify associated factors by analyzing their alleviating and exacerbating influences through systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression.

Following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) and MOOSE (Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) guidelines, we used a combination of searching databases, individual journals and cross-referencing. Two independent reviewers screened studies measuring burnout in trauma surgeons. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed using logit-transformed proportions. Heterogeneity was assessed using I² statistics and meta-regression examined the impact of measurement tools.

Analysis of 19 studies (n=4,634) revealed a pooled burnout prevalence of 60.0% (95% CI 46.9% to 74.4%) with substantial heterogeneity (I²=97.9%, p<0.0001). Studies using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (n=13) showed high emotional exhaustion (35.2%) and depersonalization (45.6%), but maintained strong personal accomplishment (75.3%). Key burnout-exacerbating factors included younger age, long working hours, and administrative burden, whereas protective factors included mentorship and protected non-clinical time.

Trauma surgeons experience among the highest burnout rates reported among surgical specialties, warranting systemic physician-centric interventions, with a shift in focus from diagnosis to prevention. Despite significant occupational stressors, persistently high personal accomplishment levels suggest specialty-specific resilience factors, meriting further investigation. Evidence-based strategies, including formal mentorship programs, psychological risk management models, and protected non-clinical time have the potential to mitigate burnout.