P1-322 - Burnout in Korean Hemato-oncologists: Main findings and validity of the Maslach Burnout Inventory

Abstract

Burnout syndrome is prevalent among oncologists. It is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and low personal accomplishment. This study aimed to examine the validity of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and evaluate the prevalence of the burnout syndrome among Korean oncologists. A survey was conducted with members of Korea Cancer Study Group (KCSG) and Korea Association of Clinical Oncology (KACO) who received general questionnaires and MBI mailed to all members. Logistic regression models were applied to show associations between different sources of work-related stress and burnout. Seventy-five out of 420 (17.9%) returned their questionnaires. Factor analysis revealed three factors being extracted from the 22-item MBI, and item loading for each factor is higher than 0.4. Therefore, MBI demonstrated high convergent validity. Emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and low personal accomplishment showed low correlation leading to the conclusion that there was discriminant validity. The Cronbach´s α coefficients in the 22-item MBI and three subscales were higher than 0.7. The scores on MBI subscales indicated a high level of emotional exhaustion in 57.3%; a high level of depersonalization in 24.0%; and a low level of personal accomplishment in 32.0%. Socio-demographic and occupational factors associated with significantly higher level of burnout were working at teaching institution, hemato-oncology subspecialty than hematology or oncology, >40 work hours per week, and insufficient vacation time. MBI can be used as a valid instrument and burnout syndrome is prevalent among Korean hemato-oncologists. Knowledge of the mechanism of burnout syndrome and preventing and dealing with them is fundamental requirement for the improvement of cancer care system.