Burnout, psychological wellbeing and musculoskeletal complaints in general practitioners

Abstract

BackgroundHealthcare systems are under unprecedented pressure. GPs are crucial to the health of the population, yet their own health and wellbeing is often overlooked.AimTo investigate feelings of burnout, psychological wellbeing, and musculoskeletal complaints in GPs across the UK and to examine whether these health outcomes vary according to the time GPs spent sitting, their participation in physical activity each day, the time spent working per day/week.Design & settingObservational study involving GPs located across the UK.MethodAn online survey was emailed to working members of the Royal College of General Practitioners and shared on social media. The survey included questions on burnout, psychological wellbeing, and musculoskeletal complaints, sitting time, physical activity and time spent working. Mean differences were examined for burnout, psychological wellbeing and musculoskeletal complaints.ResultsData from 406 GPs showed a high level of burnout (36%) and musculoskeletal complaints (82%). Psychological wellbeing was low in 25% of GPs. Burnout was lower in GPs who met current physical activity guidelines, while psychological wellbeing was higher in those with more than two breaks in sitting per hour. Musculoskeletal complaints were higher in those spending more than 50% of sitting time in prolonged bouts (≥30 minutes).ConclusionA high proportion of GPs reported experiencing burnout and musculoskeletal complaints, but these health concerns were less evident in GPs who spent less time in prolonged sitting, took more breaks in sitting and who were more physically active.