Broadening the Discussion on Physician Burnout

In their study in this issue of JAMA Surgery, Hewitt et al have compared definitions and thresholds of burnout in general surgery residents, providing important insights into strategies to measure physician burnout. The study offers multiple strengths: a large and representative sample (N  = 6956), an excellent survey response rate (85.6%), the use of a validated gold standard measure of burnout, and exploration of prevalence based on inconsistencies in the literature. The authors have asserted that the Maslach Burnout Inventory is scored and interpreted inconsistently in the lit erature regarding the time frame and number of symptoms needed for a respondent to be classified as having burnout. In fact, much of the recent prevalence research has required an elevation (using defined cutoffs) in only 1 of 3 dimensions (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, or a decreased sen se of personal accomplishment) for an individual to be considered burnt out. Such an approach may not capture burnout as a complex and dynamic construct.
Source: JAMA Surgery - Category: Sports Medicine Source Type: research