(P101) Burnout Evaluation of Radiation Residents Nationwide (BERRN): Results of a Survey of United States Residents

Abstract

Burnout is an increasing problem among U.S. physicians. Up to half experience professional burnout which is associated with many negative consequences, including decreased job satisfaction, increased medical errors, divorce, and even self-harm. Burnout varies widely among residents in different specialties and has been associated with a drop in medical knowledge equivalent to one full year of training. However, burnout has never been formally assessed among U.S. radiation oncology residents. A nationwide survey was sent to all U.S. radiation oncology program directors and coordinators as published by the Association of Residents in Radiation Oncology. The survey included the Maslach Burnout Index (MBI)-Human Services Survey, a validated and widely accepted burnout assessment questionnaire, as well as demographic and program-specific questions tailored to radiation oncology residents. Primary endpoints included rates of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal achievement as measured on MBI subscale scores. Overall, 205 residents responded, representing 28.0% of the 733 radiation oncology residents nationwide. Of the respondents, 31.2% were women. Response by post-graduate year (PGY) was 26.3% PGY-2, 26.8% PGY-3, 21.5% PGY-4, and 25.4% PGY-5. High levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization were reported in 28.3% and 17.1%, respectively; 33.1% experienced a high burnout level on at least one of these MBI subscales. Furthermore, 12% had low rates of perceived personal achievement. Twelve residents (5.9%) reported feeling “at the end of my rope” on a weekly basis or more. Approximately one third of radiation oncology residents have high levels of burnout symptoms. Particularly concerning was that more than one in twenty felt at the end of their rope on a weekly basis or more. Steps should be taken to identify program or resident-specific factors associated with burnout, followed by targeted interventions aimed at addressing modifiable factors to prevent the negative consequences of burnout.