Investigation of physician burnout and the development of symptoms of anxiety and depression: burnout in consultant doctors in Ireland study (BICDIS)

Abstract

AimsThe objectives of this study were to investigate burnout in a sample of Irish Hospital Consultants and its association with psychopathology (symptoms of depression and anxiety). We examined the effect of personality factors on the development of psychopathology in response to burnout and in relation to work-related stress among the participants.MethodThis is a cross-sectional survey, utilising validated psychometric measures. Self-reported online questionnaires were distributed to all hospital consultants registered with the Irish Hospital Consultants Association distribution list and were completed between September to December 2016. Questionnaires sought to determine demographic information; work-related characteristics; burnout related phenomena: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a reduced sense of personal effectiveness (Maslach Burnout Inventory [MBI-GS]); symptoms of depression and anxiety (Depressive Anxiety Stress Scale [DASS]; and personality characteristics (Big Five Inventory [BFI-10]).ResultA total of 477 hospital consultants (Male = 56.6%) from hospitals in Ireland took part in the study. Of those studied, 42% reported high levels of burnout. The Depression and Anxiety Stress Scale revealed that Consultants were experiencing high levels of stress symptoms but comparatively low levels of anxiety symptoms. The study population scored highest on the conscientiousness and agreeableness subscales and lowest on the neuroticism subscale. Those who scored higher in the neuroticism subtype appeared to be at an increased risk of burnout.ConclusionThe prevalence of work-related burnout in consultants is of concern. The psychological burden of burnout is reflected in reported symptoms of stress and depression. Personality, particularly conscientiousness and agreeableness appears to impact the development of physician burnout. Strategies that modulate the relationship between personality and burnout may be beneficial for optimal health care delivery. Further research is needed to identify appropriate short and long-term strategies to ensure physician wellbeing and optimal delivery of patient care.

Burnout in mental health services in Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic

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“…15,18 This relationship is reciprocal, and it has been speculated that it may be mediated by organisational factors such as ineffective policies, inadequate workforce planning and recruitment, incompetent implementation planning and ineffective leadership. 18 Similarly, spending time outside of one's area of responsibilities can generate anxiety as well as a sense of inadequacy or lack of competence, and may be compensated for by increasing additional hours. Being aware about burnout, speaking about it, participating in support groups and increasing social capital in the workplace are protective factors from burnout and reduce the intention to leave.…”

Anxiety, depression, and alcohol use disorder in dermatologists: relationship with burnout and associated risk factors

“…Seven of these questions assess the presence of anxiety and 7, the presence of depression. The sum of the scores obtained is interpreted as follows: no clinical relevance (0-7), mild anxiety/depression, [8][9][10] moderate anxiety/depression, [11][12][13][14][15] and severe anxiety/depression. [16][17][18][19][20][21]…”

The relationship between clinical work stress and anxiety in master’s degree nursing students: The mediating role of psychological capital and social support

“…Social support refers to the resources obtained by people's social connections, which can reduce psychological stress, relieve mental tension, and improve social adaptability. [7] Social support can reduce the working pressure on medical staff to some extent, and improve their mental health, and has played a very important role in improving the quality of life of medical staff. [8] Social support can improve an individual's level of hope, enhance their feeling of being respected, and relieve individual anxiety.…”