PA and NP burnout in orthopedic surgery

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: To quantify the burnout rate among physician associates/assistants (PAs) and NPs in a large orthopedic surgery practice affiliated with an academic institution. Methods: The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and original research questions were given to all PAs and NPs in orthopedics at the facility. Burnout was defined as a high level of emotional exhaustion or depersonalization on the MBI subscale. Results: Of the 129 PAs and NPs in orthopedics at our institution, 91 (70.5%) completed all survey items. Nearly 42% of respondents were burned out, as defined by high depersonalization or emotional exhaustion. PAs and NPs who met the burnout criteria were significantly older than those who did not (41.8 ± 10 versus 36.5 ± 7.71 years, P = .007) and spent longer in practice (12.4 ± 6.66 versus 9.35 ± 6.41 years, P = .01). Conclusions: The prevalence of burnout is high among PAs and NPs in orthopedics who practice in an academic setting.