The overall prevalence of burnout among orthopedic surgeons is estimated to be about 45%, according to a study published Sept. 21 in Cureus.
Here are five notes on the study:
- A total of eight studies involving more than 4,000 residents and specialists were included in the findings.
- Factors that were associated with orthopedic burnout include medical error within the past three months, depression, living without a partner, absence of mandatory rest period, absence of marks of gratitude from seniors and patients, sleep deprivation, early years of training, significant other in active military duty, dissatisfaction with career choices and work-life balance, high workloads, lack of co-resident support, lack of program support and inability to attend health maintenance support.
- Younger surgeons and individuals with less experience and training were more likely to experience burnout compared to more experienced surgeons.
- Factors that helped orthopedic surgeons and residents fend off burnout include having a mentor, having time for hobbies, social activities, spouse or child-centric group activities, improvements in the climate of learning, peer collaboration among trainees and career advancement.
- Creating collaboration opportunities for orthopedic residents to interact with peers, improving the learning environment and having mentors are ways to reduce burnout rates among orthopedic surgeons and residents.
