Burnout In Oncologists Research Articles

Characteristics of Professional Burnout of Oncologists

Introduction. The present paper considers the issue of emotional burnout among doctors of oncology departments. The profession of a doctor refers to so-called socionomic professions, which are associated with higher socio-psychological requirements as well as mental and psycho-emotional stress. The relevance of the study stems from the persistent psycho-emotional problems that arise in the process of professional activity of oncologists. Aim. To study theoretical aspects of professional burnout, to carry out experimental evaluation of professional burnout among oncologists and to develop the preventive measures contributing to reduction in symptoms of emotional burnout in oncologists. Materials and methods. The author conducted an experimental study of the emotional burnout among oncologists and explored the diagnostics aspects of emotional burnout. The experiment was carried out by means of the questionnaire “Diagnostics of the level of emotional burnout” (V. V. Boyko). The study sample consisted of 50 oncologists. Results and discussion. The author revealed that the symptom “experiencing psychotraumatic circumstances” is highly expressed at the stress stage in the group of oncologists with developed emotional burnout (24, 58). The symptom shows preventive reaction to the influencing aspects for emotional burnout: “emotional response” (24, 6), “reduced job performance” (31, 66), characterizing the methods of mental support; the “emotional defi cit” (25, 33), “emotional detachment” (28,12), reflecting the state of parasympathetic nervous system, are considered as the main symptom at the overstrain stage. It was found that the work with critically ill patients demands high level of professional competence, considering the increased responsibility and constant emotional stress. Conclusion. The results of the study confi rm the presence of leading symptoms in developing emotional burnout. In order to prevent the development of emotional burnout syndrome, the author proposes to introduce psychological training programs on various topics in medical institutions to minimize professional burnout and to develop soft skills, including self-regulation in communication.

Взаимосвязь эмоционального выгорания с удовлетворённостью работой у врачей-онкологов терапевтического и хирургического профилей

Purpose. The purpose of the paper is to identify organizational factors influencing the development of the emotional burnout in oncologists based on the assessment and comparative analysis of the severity of the emotional burnout among two groups of oncologists (providing medicalcare on an inpatient and outpatient basis). Methodology. The article is based on a quantitative sociological study. The respondents were 100 doctors of the oncological service in Moscow, of which 50 oncologists carried out their professional activities in outpatient medical organization (А group) and 50 oncologists worked in inpatient medical organization (В group). These two groups of doctors differed statistically in their profile of activity: in the А-group there were significantly more representatives of the therapeutic profile, in the В group — surgical profile. Results. 56% and 62% of the respondents of the А and B groups had a high and extremely high degree of the emotional burnout growth, 38% and 60% of specialists noted satisfaction with the work process, respectively. When assessing the relationship between the severity of the professional emotional burnout and its individual phases with the level of satisfaction with various components of the work process in the study and control groups, a noticeable statistically significant correlation was revealed for the overall level of job satisfaction, satisfaction with wages in comparison with other organizations, wage fairness, career opportunities, growth, leadership style of the boss. Findings. Assessment, prevention and treatment of emotional burnout should be carried out among doctors working both in hospitals and outpatient clinics. Special attention should be paid to young doctors, as well as to doctors with work experience of 20 yearsor more. The main measures to control this state should be aimed at creating a fair and transparent system of remuneration, individualizing the amount of incentive payments, creating opportunities for professional and career growth of employees, training the heads of functional departments in the basics of organizational management. The value of the results. As part of the study, the authors forthe first time introduced a comparative analysis of the severity of emotional burnout in oncologists providing medical care on an outpatient basis and in hospitals of medical organizations. The results obtained make it possible to identify ways to improve the management of medical personnel to develop measures to prevent and reduce the level of professional emotional burnout among oncologists.

11: The Canadian Association of Radiation Oncology 2020 Radiation Oncologist Burnout and Work Engagement Survey

11: The Canadian Association of Radiation Oncology 2020 Radiation Oncologist Burnout and Work Engagement Survey

Prevalence and Workplace Drivers of Burnout in Cancer Care Physicians in Ontario, Canada.

Provider well-being has become the fourth pillar of the quadruple aim for providing quality care. Exacerbated by the global COVID-19 pandemic, provider well-being has become a critical issue for health care systems worldwide. We describe the prevalence and key system-level drivers of burnout in oncologists in Ontario, Canada. This is a cross-sectional survey study conducted in November-December 2019 of practicing cancer care physicians (surgical, medical, radiation, gynecologic oncology, and hematology) in Ontario, Canada. Ontario is Canada's largest province (with a population of 14.5 million), and has a single-payer publicly funded cancer system. The primary outcome was burnout experience assessed through the Maslach Burnout Inventory. A total of 418 physicians completed the questionnaire (response rate was 44% among confirmed oncologists). Seventy-three percent (n = 264 of 362) of oncologists had symptoms of burnout (high emotional exhaustion and/or depersonalization scores). Significant drivers of burnout identified in multivariable regression modeling included working in a hectic or chaotic atmosphere (odds ratio [OR] = 15.5; 95% CI, 3.4 to 71.5; P < .001), feeling unappreciated on the job (OR = 7.9; 95% CI, 2.9 to 21.3; P < .001), reporting poor or marginal control over workload (OR = 7.9; 95% CI, 2.9 to 21.3; P < .001), and not being comfortable talking to peers about workplace stress (OR = 3.0; 95% CI, 1.1 to 7.9; P < .001). Older age (≥ 56 years) was associated with lower odds of burnout (OR = 0.16; 95% CI, 0.1 to 0.4; P < .001). Nearly three quarters of participants met predefined standardized criteria for burnout. This number is striking, given the known impact of burnout on provider mental health, patient safety, and quality of care, and suggests Oncologists in Ontario may be a vulnerable group that warrants attention. Health care changes being driven by the COVID-19 pandemic provide an opportunity to rebuild new systems that address drivers of burnout. Creating richer peer-to-peer and leadership engagement opportunities among early- to mid-career individuals may be a worthwhile organizational strategy.

Occupational burnout in oncologists in Kazakhstan.

Although burnout levels in oncologists are likely high, its predictors remain poorly understood. This study was aimed to verify the prevalence of occupational burnout in oncology doctors and nurses in the major cancer centre in Kazakhstan and to elucidate its predictors to plan future prevention activities. In the leading tertiary-level cancer centre in Kazakhstan, we recruited 256 subjects (67% doctors and 33% nurses, 62% women, median age 37.5 [interquartile range 15] years) and offered them Maslach Burnout Inventory to quantify emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP) and personal accomplishment (PA). Demographics, fatigue, health-related quality of life with SF-8 and lifestyle were tested as predictors of burnout in multivariate logistic regression models. Number of subjects with high EE was 121 (47%), high DP was 161 (63%) and high PA was 152 (59%). Fatigue, worse mental component score (MCS), being single and not exercising regularly predicted more burnout in EE. Fatigue, worse physical component score (PCS) and worse MCS predicted more burnout in DP. Finally, more burnout in PA was independently associated with fatigue, worse PCS, being married or divorced and having a university or academic degree. The prevalence of occupational burnout in oncologists was high, necessitating early burnout prevention programmes, addressing, among other, fatigue reduction and regular exercise.

Occupational and Personal Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic on US Oncologist Burnout and Well-Being: A Study From the ASCO Clinician Well-Being Task Force.

The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented global crisis profoundly affecting oncology care delivery. This study will describe the occupational and personal consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on oncologist well-being and patient care. Four virtual focus groups were conducted with US ASCO member oncologists (September-November 2020). Inquiry and subsequent discussions centered on self-reported accounts of professional and personal COVID-19 experiences affecting well-being, and oncologist recommendations for well-being interventions that the cancer organization and professional societies (ASCO) might implement were explored. Qualitative interviews were analyzed using Framework Analysis. Twenty-five oncologists were interviewed: median age 44 years (range: 35-69 years), 52% female, 52% racial or ethnic minority, 76% medical oncologists, 64% married, and an average of 51.5 patients seen per week (range: 20-120). Five thematic consequences emerged: (1) impact of pre-COVID-19 burnout, (2) occupational or professional limitations and adaptations, (3) personal implications, (4) concern for the future of cancer care and the workforce, and (5) recommendations for physician well-being interventions. Underlying oncologist burnout exacerbated stressors associated with disruptions in care, education, research, financial practice health, and telemedicine. Many feared delays in cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Oncologists noted personal and familial stressors related to COVID-19 exposure fears and loss of social support. Many participants strongly considered working part-time or taking early retirement. Yet, opportunities arose to facilitate personal growth and rise above pandemic adversity, fostering greater resilience. Recommendations for organizational well-being interventions included psychologic or peer support resources, flexible time-off, and ASCO and state oncology societies involvement to develop care guidelines, well-being resources, and mental health advocacy. Our study suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected oncologist burnout, fulfillment, practice health, cancer care, and workforce. It illuminates where professional organizations could play a significant role in oncologist well-being.

MSOR07 Presentation Time: 10:30 AM: The Canadian Association of Radiation Oncology 2020 Radiation Oncologist Burnout and Work Engagement Survey

Background: The Canadian Medical Association recently acknowledged that physician health remains a significant threat to the viability of Canada's health care system. A 2014 survey reported a 44% prevalence of burnout among American oncologists. The purpose of this survey was to determine the national prevalence of burnout and document work engagement among Canadian radiation oncologists.

MSOR07 Presentation Time: 10:30 AM: The Canadian Association of Radiation Oncology 2020 Radiation Oncologist Burnout and Work Engagement Survey

MSOR07 Presentation Time: 10:30 AM: The Canadian Association of Radiation Oncology 2020 Radiation Oncologist Burnout and Work Engagement Survey

Assessing burnout among oncologists in Ontario, Canada.

41 Background: Provider experience and physician burnout has been recognized as a critical issue in medicine. Ontario, Canada has a single payer cancer system run by Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) with a mandate covering system level planning and delivery of cancer services, funding, and quality improvement. As part of a larger provincial initiative to address clinician burnout, we examined the prevalence and drivers of burnout in practicing physician oncologists in Ontario. Methods: In November-December 2019, surgical, medical, hematological, and radiation oncologists in Ontario were invited to complete an anonymous online survey to assess burnout and its drivers. Burnout prevalence was assessed through the Maslach Burnout Inventory – Human Services Survey for Medical Personnel (MBI-HSS MP). Data on demographic, workplace, engagement, and practice profiles were collected. Logistic regression modeling was conducted to assess key variables associated with “high” burnout using a common definition of high scores on the MBI subscales of emotional exhaustion (EE) (&gt; 27) and/or depersonalization (DP) (&gt;10). Results: Response rate to the survey was 44% (n=418) with 72% reporting high levels of burnout. Mean scores for EE (30.7, SD 12.1) and DP (9.9, SD 6.7) were consistent with high burnout. Participants endorsed known drivers of burnout including: 1) a poor culture of wellness at work (e.g., not comfortable talking to leadership (72%), 2) inefficiencies of practice (e.g. feeling insufficient documentation time (67%)) and 3) personal resilience (e.g. not feeling they are contributing professionally in ways they value (21%)). Age (&lt;45yrs) (OR: 2.15), poor/marginal control over workload (OR: 4.42), feeling used/unappreciated (OR: 2.63), working atmosphere that feels hectic/chaotic (OR: 2.68), and insufficient time for documentation requirements (OR: 2.52) significantly impacted the odds of high burnout in the regression model (p&lt;0.05). Conclusions: The high rate of burnout among oncology physicians in a single payer public cancer system in Ontario is concerning for the wellbeing of providers, patients and system sustainability. Drivers important for maintaining a culture of wellness and efficiency of practice will require local, regional and provincial health policy to improve. Next steps will include raising awareness with provincial initiatives/policy to address key burnout drivers, and examining the impact of working under pandemic conditions (Covid-19) on oncologist burnout.

Oncologist Burnout Syndrome in Eastern Europe: Results of the Multinational Survey.

Burnout is defined as a three-dimensional syndrome-emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and reduced personal accomplishment (PA)-caused by chronic occupational stress. The aim of the current study was to investigate the prevalence of burnout among oncologists in Eastern Europe and to identify the contributing factors. The study was conducted as an online survey between October 2017 and March 2018. Oncologists (including medical, radiation, clinical, and surgical oncologists) from 19 countries were invited to participate. The survey consisted of 30 questions, including the standardized burnout instrument, Maslach Burnout Inventory, and eight demographic questions. Burnout risk was scored according to the scoring manual for health care workers. The study included 637 oncologists. Overall, 28% were at low or intermediate risk and 72% were at high risk for burnout. Forty-four percent of participants were at high risk for EE, 28.7% for DP, and 47.3% for PA. EE risk was associated with female sex. DP risk was highest among clinical and radiation oncologists, whereas PA risk was positively correlated with years of service, percentage of cancer deaths, and availability of the number of oncologists. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, burnout was significantly associated with standardized cancer mortality and fewer years of practice. Burnout among oncologists in Eastern Europe is high, and younger oncologists are the most vulnerable group. Preventive measures should be taken to address this issue, which negatively affects optimal care delivery and poses a threat to oncologists' health and well-being.

Oncologist burnout syndrome in Eastern Europe: Results of the multinational survey

Oncologist burnout syndrome in Eastern Europe: Results of the multinational survey

Burnout Among oncologists in the Republic of Korea: A nationwide survey

Purpose: Burnout in oncologists negatively impacts patient care and health care system, as it is associated with poor patient satisfaction, medical errors, leaving current practice, and/or early retirement. Because the quality of life of oncologists is influenced by various factors and ultimately affects the patient's treatment and medical system, we aimed to investigate burnout among oncologists and to identify factors affecting burnout.Materials and methods: A total of 130 oncologists recruited from 13 cancer centers participated in a nationwide survey. Professional Quality of Life scale used to evaluate burnout and multiple regression analysis was performed to identify factors affecting burnout.Results: A total of 144 oncologists were invited, 134 (93.1%) responded, and 130 (90.2%) of those completed the survey. Burnout score of all participants was 49.9, and males was 48.8, females was 53.9, females score was higher than males. According to the hours worked per session, the average burnout score increased with the hours worked per session. Multiple regression analysis showed that influencing or predictive factors in burnout were sex and hours worked per session.Conclusion: To reduce burnout in oncologists, organization-directed interventions should be implemented to prevent work overload.

Burnout among Moroccan Oncologists: A National Survey

Abstract Introduction: Burnout is an unwanted outcome of chronic occupational stressors. Oncology staff is expected to suffer from burnout more than other health-care professionals. The aim of this survey was to determine the prevalence of burnout among Moroccan oncologists and to determine potential causal factors. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analytical study using an online self-administered questionnaire to oncologists in Morocco. We used the Maslach Burnout Inventory and additional questions exploring work and lifestyle factors. The questionnaire was sent in January 2018. Results: A total of 100 oncologists answered the questionnaire with predominance of women (75%), young participants (74%), and medical oncologists (60%). Eighty-five percent of the oncologists showed evidence of burnout. The rates of high scores of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and low scores of personal accomplishment were, respectively, 57%, 44%, and 56%. In the univariate linear analysis, age younger than 35 years (p = 0.014), being in residency training (p = 0.004), not having extra professional activities (p = 0.009), having an experience less than 10 years (p = 0.02) and estimating vacation time as not adequate (p = 0.05) were all significantly associated with increased burnout scores. In the multivariate analysis, only age &amp;lt;35 years (p = 0.028), being in residency training (p = 0.026), and having an experience less than 10 years (p = 0.01) were independent risk factors of burnout. Conclusion: These findings reveal that burnout in oncologists is higher than those reported internationally. Multidimensional interventions should be implemented to reduce burnout rates among Moroccan oncologists.

FitFirms: A wellness option for oncology trainees.

10537 Background: Burnout in oncologists has been rising over the past decade. Burnout leads to poor patient outcomes and poor physician health. Younger oncologists are at higher risk for burnout. The Firm System was designed by Victor McKusick at the Johns Hopkins hospital in 1975 to integrate faculty and trainees into clinical and psychologically supportive cohorts. Here we describe an adapted Firm System called the FitFirms, which focused on social connectivity and altruistic service as means to combat burnout in oncology trainees. Methods: We divided the Hematology and Oncology Division of an academic Comprehensive Cancer Care center into four cohorts of faculty-fellow teams called FitFirms. Each FitFirm was named after a notable local or national female leader in the field of cancer medicine—The Henrietta Lacks Firm, The Jane Wright Firm, The Padmini Iyer Firm, and The Rita Mehta Firm. The faculty and fellows interacted on an at-minimum quarterly basis in casual social events and/or community service-oriented events for 15 months. The social events included group dinners, bowling, paint and game nights. The service events included participation in 5K walk/run fundraiser for our institution’s cancer center and support of a National Cancer Survivors Day event for US Veterans. A didactic discussion series was created to explore concepts of resiliency, work-life balance, and the role of art in medicine—mentored by faculty across the spectrum of oncologic disciplines (Surgical Oncology, Gynecologic Oncology, Palliative Care, and Health Communication). The Maslach Burnout Inventory survey was used to survey the oncology trainees before and after the interventions. Results: Nine pre-intervention surveys were collected with 78% of trainees describing themselves as on the burnout spectrum of feeling either ineffective, overextended, disengaged, or burned out (22% engaged). After 15 months, 10 post-intervention surveys were collected in which 60% of trainees described themselves on the burnout spectrum (40% engaged). Conclusions: The FitFirms are a novel system using social capital to reduce the problem of burnout in oncology trainees by engaging in social connectivity and altruistic service through faculty-mentored, historically-named divisional cohorts.

Burnout in oncologists and associated factors: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

Oncologists may be particularly at risk of burnout. This systematic literature review and meta-analysis explores the prevalence of burnout and associated factors in oncologists. The authors assessed 26 studies that utilised the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) tool to measure burnout. Pooled prevalence rates were calculated via meta-analysis (MetaXL) using random effects models. Approximately 5,768 oncologists provided burnout data. A significant number experience burnout as highlighted by the pooled prevalence rates for MBI subscales of: emotional exhaustion at 32%; depersonalisation at 24%; and low personal accomplishment at 37%. Eighteen of the studies reported factors found to be significantly associated with high levels of burnout in oncology physicians. These were grouped into demographic differences, individual factors and work factors. Burnout was found to affect a significant proportion of oncologists. Burnout was associated with being single, being younger in age, reduced psychological well-being, difficulties outside of work, workplace demands and workplace stress. Burnout has considerable implications for oncology physicians and patient safety. Further insight into individual factors, and factors associated with lower burnout would be beneficial.

Doctor, are you healthy? A cross-sectional investigation of oncologist burnout, depression, and anxiety and an investigation of their associated factors

PurposeDoctors who work at cancer hospitals are at high risk of developing emotional distress. This study evaluated the prevalence of burnout, anxiety, and depression in a sample of oncologists of various specialties and sought to identify how much of this distress is explained by specific pre-established characteristics.MethodsThis cross-sectional study used online surveys. Burnout was measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), and anxiety and depression were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The variables associated with p-values < 0.10 in the univariate analyses were included in blocks of hierarchical binary logistic regression models to identify the predictors of burnout, depression, and anxiety.ResultsOf the 227 physicians (response rate = 70.5%), 132 (58.1%) were identified as having burnout (high emotional exhaustion [EE] and depersonalization [DP]); furthermore, 28 (12.3%) had depression (HADS-D ≥ 11), and 44 (19.4%) had anxiety (HADS-A ≥ 11). The block of perceptions related to the workplace explained 22.4%, 7.7%, and 10.6% of the variances of burnout, depression, and anxiety, respectively. On the other hand, the outside-of-work characteristics block explained only 3.1%, 13.4%, and 3.4% of the variances of burnout, depression, and anxiety, respectively.ConclusionsWork-related stressors are associated with burnout, but few are associated with anxiety and depression. Outside-of-work characteristics explained little of the distress reported by physicians. Strategies focused on perceptions of professional recognition and lower workloads that stimulate positive relationships between doctors and other health professionals are desirable in oncological context.

Let's address burnout in oncologists and reimagine the way we work.

Burnout is a substantial issue associated with the medical profession, with oncology being no exception. Increasing focus is being placed on implementing solutions to address physician burnout, and successful interventions have encompassed the following themes: the presence of an organizational mandate, data-driven and grassroots quality improvements, and a focus on systems change.

Oncologist burnout and compassion fatigue: investigating time pressure at work as a predictor and the mediating role of work-family conflict

BackgroundOncologists are at high risk of poor mental health. Prior research has focused on burnout, and has identified heavy workload as a key predictor. Compassion fatigue among physicians has generally received less attention, although medical specialties such as oncology may be especially at risk of compassion fatigue. We contribute to research by identifying predictors of both burnout and compassion fatigue among oncologists. In doing so, we distinguish between quantitative workload (e.g., work hours) and subjective work pressure, and test whether work-family conflict mediates the relationships between work pressure and burnout or compassion fatigue.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, oncologists from across Canada (n = 312) completed questionnaires assessing burnout, compassion fatigue, workload, time pressure at work, work-family conflict, and other personal, family, and occupational characteristics. Analyses use Ordinary Least Squares regression.ResultsSubjective time pressure at work is a key predictor of both burnout and compassion fatigue. Our results also show that work-family conflict fully mediates these relationships. Overall, the models explain more of the variation in burnout as compared to compassion fatigue.ConclusionsOur study highlights the need to consider oncologists’ subjective time pressure, in addition to quantitative workload, in interventions to improve mental health. The findings also highlight a need to better understand additional predictors of compassion fatigue.

The syndrome of emotional burnout in oncologists and ways to overcome

Background The burnout caused negative changes in health and professional activity of medical workers. It is makes the need to improve their psychological knowledges and skills necessary to cope with professional stress. Materials and methods In research participated 41 oncologists. We used MBI-HSS questionnaire for measurement manifestations of burnout. Results The severity of emotional exhaustion among oncologists was – 14,8±9,9 points, depersonalization – 5,1±3,7 points and assessment of professional achievement – 36,4±6,7 points. The key manifestations of emotional burnout in oncologists were feeling of emotional emptiness, anxiety, depressed mood, savings emotions, psycho-emotional and personal detachment, reduced productivity, dissatisfaction with themselves, distancing from patients and colleagues. The differences in the manifestations of burnout among oncologists with different specialization caused by specific of professional activity – functional responsibilities and characteristics of the patients. Conclusion Development and implementation complex psychological program for doctors that include psychoeducation and communicative training is a practical solution problem of burnout in oncology.

Oncologists' negative attitudes towards expressing emotion over patient death and burnout.

The aims of this study were to examine the relationship between negative attitudes towards expressing emotion following patient death and burnout in oncologists and to explore oncologists' preferences for institutional interventions to deal with patient death. The participants included a convenience sample of 177 oncologists from Israel and Canada. Oncologists completed a questionnaire package that included a sociodemographic survey, a burnout measure, a survey assessing negative attitudes towards expressing emotion, and a survey assessing desired interventions to cope with patient death. To examine the association between burnout and negative attitudes while controlling for the effect of sociodemographic variables, a hierarchical linear regression was computed. Higher burnout scores were related to higher negative attitudes towards perceived expressed emotion (partial r=.25, p<.01) of those who viewed this affect as a weakness and as a sign of unprofessionalism. Approximately half of the oncologists found each of the five categories of institutional interventions (pedagogical strategies, emotional support, group/peer support, taking time off, and research and training) helpful in coping with patient death. Our findings suggest that high burnout scores are associated with negative attitudes towards expressing emotion and that there is a wide variation in oncologist preferences in coping with patient death. Institutions should promote interventions that are varied and that focus on the needs of oncologists in order to reduce burnout. Interventions that legitimize expression of emotion about patient death may be useful. Another way to reduce stigma would be to require oncologists to "opt out" rather than "opt in" to accessing a selection of social and/or individual interventions.