Burnout is associated with decreased career satisfaction and psychosocial distress among members of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO)

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the rate of burnout among gynecologic oncologists and evaluate factors associated with burnout in this population. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design. Current members of the SGO were sent an anonymous email survey that included 76 items measuring burnout, psychosocial distress, career satisfaction, and quality of life (QOL). Results: Of the 1086 members invited, 436 (40.1%) responded, and 369 of those (84.6%) completed the survey. Median age was 48 years, 66% had been practicing N10 years, 58.8%worked an average of N60 h/week, the median number of operating room hours was 15/week, nights on call was 3/week, 77% managed chemotherapy, and 59% practiced in an academic setting. More than 32% of physicians scored above clinical cutoffs for emotional exhaustion (EE) and/or depersonalization (DP), suggesting high rates of burnout, with 30% and 10% scoring in the clinical range on EE and DP, respectively. In addition, 33% screened positive for depression (PRIME MD/PHQ2), 13% endorsed a history of suicidal ideation, 15% screened positive for alcohol abuse (CAGE), and 34% reported impaired QOL (MOS SF-12). Nonetheless, 70% reported high levels of personal accomplishment, and results suggested most were satisfied with their careers, with 89% indicating that they would enter medicine again and 61% stating they would encourage their child to pursue a career in medicine. Analyses indicated that those in the high burnout category were significantly less likely to report that they would becomephysicians again (P= 0.002) and less likely to encourage a child to enter medicine (P b .001). Burnout was also significantly associated with a positive screen for depression (P b 0.001) or alcohol abuse (P=0.02), history of suicidal ideation (P b 0.001), and impaired QOL (P b 0.001). Interestingly, personal accomplishment scores were not significantly correlatedwith career satisfaction (P= 0.225), depression (P N 0.99), alcohol abuse (P N 0.99), or suicidal ideation (P N 0.99). Conclusions: Burnout is a significant problem associated with psychosocial distress and lower levels of career satisfaction. Interventions targeted at improving QOL and treatment of depression or alcohol abusemay have an impact on burnout. However, significant barriers may exist because 44.5% of respondents reported they would be reluctant to seek medical care for depression, substance use, or other mental health concerns.