ObjectiveThe scale of burnout in UK gastroenterology trainees and the feasibility to determine its prevalence using the validated Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) tool are unknown. A region-wide pilot study was conducted to determine the uptake of a 31-item questionnaire and estimate the prevalence of burnout in gastroenterology trainees within the East of England deanery (EoE). Symptom severity across the three domains of burnout (emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, and low personal accomplishment), and frequently experienced stressors by gastroenterology trainees were also studied.
DesignThis was a cross-sectional study involving gastroenterology trainees from 16 hospitals across EoE using a 31-item questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of the 22-item MBI-HSS and 9 additional free-text questions. All gastroenterology trainees in EoE were invited to complete the anonymized survey online. Data were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively.
ResultsUptake of the survey was above-average; 44.0% (40/91) response rate. 57.5% (23/40) of gastroenterology trainees suffered emotional exhaustion. 23.5% (8/34) had depersonalisation and 63.9% (23/36) experienced low professional accomplishment. Burnout prevalence was 35.3% (12/34). Only 48.4% (15/31) of gastroenterology trainees were aware of professional support services within EoE. Stressors related to service requirements and professional relationships were commonly reported; 65.6% and 25.0% respectively.
ConclusionsIt is feasible to use a 31-item questionnaire to detect and study burnout in a national cohort of gastroenterology trainees. Burnout in EoE gastroenterology trainees was high and this may reflect the national prevalence within the specialty. Larger studies, greater awareness of burnout, and better access to professional support services are needed.
Summary BoxO_ST_ABSWhat is already known about the subject?C_ST_ABSO_LIBurnout in physicians is a growing problem worldwide which can lead to personal ill-health and suboptimal patient care.
C_LIO_LIBurnout in young gastroenterology fellows in the US are reported as high as 50% but the prevalence in UK gastroenterology trainees is unknown.
C_LIO_LIThe Maslach Burnout Inventory - Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) is the most validated tool to determine physician burnout but survey length may affect uptake by UK gastroenterology trainees and the feasibility of future studies.
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What are the new findings?O_LIThis pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of a 31-item questionnaire which included the MBI-HSS in studying burnout in UK gastroenterology trainees.
C_LIO_LIEmotional exhaustion and a sense of low personal accomplishment affect more than half of gastroenterology trainees within the East of England.
C_LIO_LIThe prevalence of burnout in UK gastroenterology trainees is estimated to be high (35.3%) but larger studies are needed.
C_LIO_LIApproximately half of gastroenterology trainees in the East of England were not aware of existing support services to help them cope with burnout.
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How might it impact on clinical practice in the foreseeable future?O_LIThis pilot study may increase the awareness of burnout among UK trainees and trainers in gastroenterology.
C_LIO_LIAn estimate of burnout prevalence in UK gastroenterology trainees is provided so future research and remediation measures in the specialty can be justified.
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