484 Rates of self-reported burnout amongst urologists in Ireland and the United Kingdom – a comparative cohort study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVES: Burnout was first coined (1947) to describe the declining levels of performance exhibited by professionals who had expended themselves on their occupation. Burnout has been shown to affect the personal lives of doctors, and is associated with a reduced quality of life, broken relationships, substance abuse, increased levels of myocardial infarction, anxiety and suicidal ideation, as well as an Increase in medical error and litigation, decreased empathy, job withdrawal, decreased productivity and increased absenteeism. Whilst many surgeons may believe that they are less susceptible to the effects of burnout compared with other specialities, the traits that define some of their success such as commitment, drive and self-sacrifice place them in a vulnerable position. RESULTS: A total of 575 urologists responded out of a total of 1437 invites (40% response rate). All respondents were below 75 years of age (Median age: 45), with males representing 87.5% of respondents. 75% respondents worked in England, followed by the Republic of Ireland (9%), Scotland (8%), Northern Ireland (4%) and Wales (3%). 79% respondents were consultants, with 13% representing training posts. 40% respondents held a professorship/clinical lead position. Overall, the mean emotional exhaustion score was 23.5 and the mean depersonalisation score was 8.2, representing moderate levels of each. The mean personal achievement score was 17.1, which is considered high. 15% (n=86) reported self-medication with nonprescription drugs or alcohol to combat signs and symptoms of burnout. 8% (n=46) sought professional help for symptoms of burnout. 80% respondents (n=460) felt that burnout should be evaluated amongst members of BAUS/ISU, and 60% (n=345) would avail of counselling. There were significant differences in causes of burnout between non-consultant hospital doctors and consultants, however the overall most commonly given reasons were an excessive administrative workload, a high volume of work, a lack of institutional resources, a poor worklife balance, and inadequate support/communication with institutional management. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to address the issue of burnout across two separate health systems. This study has demonstrated high levels of burnout, with significant levels of self-medication amongst a male-predominant cohort. Burnout was attributed to administrative/institutional factors, with the majority of respondents reporting support for evaluation and the provision of counseling services. This study lends itself to the creation of risk stratification for urologists, and an opportunity to provide educational resources, and collegial and administrative support pathways. Further study is needed within to assess the link between burnout and patient safety and surgical