A cross sectional survey on burnout and career satisfaction in surgeons: a joint work from the SAGES quality, outcomes, and safety and reimaging the practice of surgery burnout task forces
Author Department
Surgery
Document Type
Article, Peer-reviewed
Publication Date
8-2024
Abstract
Introduction: The growth of surgeon burnout is of significant concern. As we work to reimagine the practice of surgery, an accurate understanding of the extent of surgeon burnout is essential. Our goal was to define the current prevalence of burnout and quality of life (QOL) among SAGES surgeons.
Methodology: An electronic survey was administered to SAGES members to establish a current baseline for QOL, burnout, depression, and career satisfaction. To assess outcomes, we utilized the validated Maslach Burnout Inventory for Medical Personnel, the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form, and the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders. All scoring followed validated norm-based methods.
Results: Of 4194 active members, 604 responded (14.40%). 69% met burnout threshold, with high levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment. 81% reported "being at the end of their rope", 74% felt emotionally drained, and 65% felt used up daily. Nearly all maintained caring about what happened to their patients (96%), easily understanding how their patients feel (84.3%) and being capable of dealing effectively with their patient's problems (87.6%). However, respondents never, rarely, or occasionally felt energetic (77.5%) or experienced a sense of professional accomplishment (57.8%). The overall QOL score was 69/100, with lower Mental than Physical scores (62.69 (SD 10.20) vs.77.27 (SD 22.24)). More than half of respondents met depression criteria. While 77% supported they would become a physician again, less than half would choose surgery again or recommend surgery to their children. Furthermore, less than a third felt work allowed sufficient time for their personal lives.
Conclusions: Participating SAGES surgeons reported alarmingly high rates of burnout and depression. Despite experiencing emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, they maintained a strong commitment to patient care. These findings likely reflect the broader state of surgeons, underscoring the urgent need for action to address this critical issue.
Keywords: Burnout; Depression; Patient safety; Quality of life; Surgical quality.
Recommended Citation
Keller DS, Narula N, Schwarz E, Mellinger JD, Feldman LS, Dort J, Asbun HJ, Romanelli J. A cross sectional survey on burnout and career satisfaction in surgeons: a joint work from the SAGES quality, outcomes, and safety and reimaging the practice of surgery burnout task forces. Surg Endosc. 2024 Aug 5. doi: 10.1007/s00464-024-11123-z. Epub ahead of print.
PMID
39103663