Burnout Rates Among General Orthopedic Surgeons and Subspecialists: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Burnout among physicians is a syndrome of emotional exhaustion, de-personalization, and reduced sense of personal accomplishment that can negatively affect personal relationships, physician well-being, and patient outcomes. Although burnout rates of up to 50% to 60% among orthopedic surgeons have been reported, no studies have evaluated burnout among orthopedic generalists and subspecialists. The primary goal of this study was to examine the prevalence of burnout among orthopedic disciplines. We conducted a multicenter study from March 2019 through December 2019 involving 149 orthopedists. An abbreviated Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey was used to measure burnout. Demographic information, personal characteristics, professional characteristics, family life and spousal support, and depression were also assessed. The mean rate of burnout among all respondents was 62%, whereas 16.77% screened positive for depression. Subspecialties with the highest rates of burnout were oncology (100%), sports medicine (68%), and trauma (63%). Similarly, trauma (50.00%), oncology (40.00%), and general orthopedics (20.00%) had the highest positive depression screening rates. In contrast, shoulder and elbow (50%), pediatric (52%), and foot and ankle (54%) specialists had the lowest rates of burnout, whereas shoulder and elbow (0.00%), spine (0.00%), and sports medicine (6.50%) specialists had the lowest rates of positive depression screening. Older age, higher debt load, and oncology subspecialty were associated with increased burnout risk. This study sought to determine burnout rates within each orthopedic discipline, with a secondary aim of disclosing contributing factors. Trauma and oncology had the highest rates of burnout and positive depression screening. Because this study represents a small orthopedic cohort, larger studies are needed to appropriately manage burnout in the future. [ Orthopedics . 2022;45(6):333–339.]