Abstract
BackgroundStudies from general practitioner (GP) populations from various European countries show a high prevalence of burnout, yet data from Germany are scarce and there are no data comparing GPs from solo versus group practices.MethodsThis cross-sectional survey addressed all GPs from a German network of family medicine practices comprising 185 practices. Participants were asked to fill in a self-administered questionnaire addressing socio-demographic and job-related characteristics. The German version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory was used to measure the dimensions emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and personal accomplishment (PA). Each participant was categorized as having high EE, high DP and low PA following pre-defined cut-offs.ResultsA total of 214 GPs from 129 practices participated: 65.9% male, 24.8% solo practice. Of all GPs, 34.1% (n = 73) scored high for EE, 29.0% (n = 62) high for DP, 21.5% (n = 46) low for PA and 7.5% (n = 16) for all three dimensions. A higher risk for EE was found among female physicians, those unsatisfied with their job, those using few stress-regulating measures regularly and those reporting bad work-life balance. Burnout prevalence was higher in GPs in group than in solo practices (37.9% vs. 28.8% had high EE, 33.1% vs. 18.9% had high DP and 22.8% vs. 18.9% had low PA). A significantly higher prevalence of burnout symptoms was found in group practice employees compared to group practice owners.ConclusionBurnout prevalence was higher among physicians in group practices compared to solo practices. In group practices, employed, young, female and part-time working physicians showed a higher burnout risk.
Highlights
Burnout was first described by Herbert Freudenberger in 1974 as consequence of overcommitment of workers in social professions resulting in tiredness, dullness and physical complaints [1]
A higher risk for emotional exhaustion (EE) was found among female physicians, those unsatisfied with their job, those using few stress-regulating measures regularly and those reporting bad work-life balance
Burnout prevalence was higher in general practitioners (GPs) in group than in solo practices (37.9% vs. 28.8% had high EE, 33.1% vs. 18.9% had high DP and 22.8% vs. 18.9% had low personal accomplishment (PA))
Summary
Burnout was first described by Herbert Freudenberger in 1974 as consequence of overcommitment of workers in social professions resulting in tiredness, dullness and physical complaints [1]. Physicians have been found to be especially prone to job-related burnout: In a study from the United States (US), Shanafelt et al (2015) reported the risk of burnout in physicians to be twice as high compared to the general population [7]. In 2008, the European General Practice Research Network found a burnout prevalence of 32% to 43% among GPs from 12 European countries [9] This corresponded to a Canadian study with similar results [10]. According to another Canadian study, the financial burden caused by physicians suffering from burnout is estimated as $213 million over the 26 years This reflects the value of services lost to the healthcare system if the physician does not work. Studies from general practitioner (GP) populations from various European countries show a high prevalence of burnout, yet data from Germany are scarce and there are no data comparing GPs from solo versus group practices
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
