Association of Intern and Resident Burnout with Self-Reported Medical Errors

Abstract

BackgroundBurnout is a common problem for interns and residents. It may be related to medical error, but little is known about this relationship. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between burnout and perceived medical errors among interns and residents.MethodsThe study group consisted of interns and residents working in a university hospital in Busan. Data were provided by 86 (58.5%) of 147 interns and residents. They completed a questionnaire including self-assessment of medical errors, a linear analog self-assessment of overall quality of life (QOL), fatigue, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, and a validated depression screening tool.ResultsAccording to univariate logistic regression analyses, there was an association between perceived medical errors and fatigue (odds ratio [OR], 1.37 per unit increase; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12 to 1.69; P < 0.003) and ESS scores (OR, 1.13 per unit increase; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.23; P < 0.009). Perceived medical errors were also associated with burnout (ORs per 1-unit change; emotional exhaustion OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.13; P < 0.005; depersonalization OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.21; P < 0.013), a negative depression screen (OR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.11 to 0.76; P < 0.013), and overall QOL (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.70 to 0.98; P < 0.033). In multivariate logistic regression analyses, an association was identified between perceived medical errors and emotional exhaustion (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.11; P < 0.046) when adjusted for ESS, and depersonalization (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.19; P < 0.04) when adjusted for fatigue.ConclusionHigher levels of burnout among interns and residents were associated with perceived medical errors.

Burnout among Saudi board residents: comparison between Family Medicine and Internal Medicine

“…This was further corroborated by a Introduction survey in Taiwan finding that between 30% and 70% of hospital staff suffered from burnout [2]. Of the burnout domains covered in the MBI, emotional exhaustion tends to be the one that reaches the highest values [19] and it is believed to be due to an accumulation of perceived medical errors which place an individual in emotional stress or turmoil [20].…”

“…There is little evidence in the literature regarding the precise etiology of burnout. Potential causes at a personal level include difficulties in work-life balance [20,23,24], poor sleep (5-6 h/per night), low levels of exercise, increasing amounts of staff [25], personality and a regret of specialty choice [22]. At a work-related level, specialty or work environment [24,26,27], clinical demands, business and insurance concerns, and keeping up with rapidly advancing technology have also been shown to cause burnout [28].…”

Burnout e Qualidade de Vida em uma Residência Multiprofissional: um Estudo Longitudinal de Dois Anos

“…Alterações no nível de estresse e qualidade de vida já foram constatadas em pesquisas prévias, reforçando os achados aqui obtidos 12,16,17 . Entender os fatores desencadeadores de estresse é essencial para prevenir tais situações e potencializar a assistência e o aprendizado do residente.…”

“…É considerada pela Organização Mundial da Saúde como um problema endêmico em todo o mundo, corroborado por estudos que reportam alto nível de estresse em alunos residentes e em funcionários de hospitais 12,[15][16][17][18] .…”

Burnout and sources of stress among medical residents at Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar

“…Burnout interferes with residents' ability to establish effective therapeutic relationships with patients and families, and their decision-making and diagnoses (2). Burnout is also associated with insomnia, fatigue, headaches, gastrointestinal distress, irritability, decreased concentration and medical errors (7,8).…”