Burnout, depression, life and job satisfaction among Canadian emergency physicians

Abstract

Our goal was to determine the level of burnout, depression, life and job satisfaction of Canadian emergency physicians. Six instruments were administered: the emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment intensity subscales of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI); the Centre for Epidemiologic Research Self-Report Depression Scale (CES-D); the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS); and the Emergency Physician Job Satisfaction Measurement Instrument (EPJS). Forty-six percent of the sample fell within the medium to high level of emotional exhaustion, 93% within the medium to high range for depersonalization, and 79% within the medium to low range for personal accomplishment. Sixty-one percent were satisfied with their lives, and 75.5% were satisfied with their jobs. Multiple regression analysis showed that increased age, being a department head, and increased weeks of holiday per year were positive contributors to EPJS scores ( P < 0.05). Involvement in medical education, increased clinical hours worked per year, and region of residence-Quebec were negative contributors to EPJS scores ( P < 0.05). Involvement in medical education is a significant factor among physicians experiencing depressive symptomatology. Time away from clinical practice is important to job satisfaction and emotional well-being.