U.S. Attending Anesthesiologist Burnout in the Postpandemic Era

Abstract

Background Anesthesiologists are experiencing unprecedented levels of workplace stress and staffing shortages. This analysis aims to assess how U.S. attending anesthesiologist burnout changed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and target well-being efforts. Methods The authors surveyed the American Society of Anesthesiologists’ U.S. attending anesthesiologist members in November 2022. Burnout was assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey with additional questions relating to workplace and demographic factors. Burnout was categorized as high risk for burnout (exhibiting emotional exhaustion and/or depersonalization) or burnout syndrome (demonstrating all three burnout dimensions concurrently). The association of burnout with U.S. attending anesthesiologist retention plans was analyzed, and associated factors were identified. Results Of 24,680 individuals contacted, 2,698 (10.9%) completed the survey, with 67.7% (1,827 of 2,698) at high risk for burnout and 18.9% (510 of 2,698) with burnout syndrome. Most (78.4%, n = 2,115) respondents have experienced recent staffing shortages, and many (36.0%, n = 970) were likely to leave their job within the next 2 yr. Those likely to leave their job in the next 2 yr had higher prevalence of high risk for burnout (78.5% [760 of 970] vs. 55.7% [651 of 1,169], P < 0.001) and burnout syndrome (24.3% [236 of 970] vs. 13.3% [156 of 1,169], P < 0.001) compared to those unlikely to leave. On multivariable analysis, perceived lack of support at work (odds ratio, 9.2; 95% CI, 7.0 to 12.1), and staffing shortages (odds ratio, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.57 to 2.43) were most strongly associated with high risk for burnout. Perceived lack of support at work (odds ratio, 6.3; 95% CI, 3.81 to 10.4) was the factor most strongly associated with burnout syndrome. Conclusions Burnout is more prevalent in anesthesiology since early 2020, with workplace factors of perceived support and staffing being the predominant associated variables. Interventions focused on the drivers of burnout are needed to improve well-being among U.S. attending anesthesiologists. Editor’s Perspective What We Already Know about This Topic What This Article Tells Us That Is New

Embracing failure: Nurturing learning and well-being in anesthesiology and perioperative medicine

“…was negatively associated with burnout. 29 Across the myriad aspects of work that are associated with burnout, 30,31 3 are particularly salient to this discussion on failure: (1) shame, (2) efficacy, and the (3) impact of adverse events or errors. Shame is so critical, particularly when addressing the educational needs of those early in their professional development, that we have given special expanded attention to this aspect later in the paper.…”

“…While inefficacy is consistently the domain of burnout least experienced by physicians, anesthesiologists experience it more frequently, possibly due to our episodic patient care relationships and often behind-the-scenes roles. [25][26][27][28][29] Part of feeling effective, and thereby not failing at making a difference, is receiving recognition for one's efforts. In a study of leadership characteristics, physician respondents who endorsed their supervisor as "rewarding me for a job well done" were more likely to have satisfaction with work-life balance and less likely to be at risk for burnout.…”

“…Furthermore, a recognition of the variable impact of failure on individuals is part of creating a culture of support in the workplace, a characteristic negatively associated with perioperative burnout. 29,30 THE EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY OF FAILURE…”

Enhancing Our Workforce: Recruitment and Retention in Anesthesiology

“…Adding to the challenges of our professional culture are the high rates of burnout and harassment that have received much focus in recent years. Compared with the prepandemic era, there has been a rise in burnout syndrome in anesthesiologists (13.8% to 18.9%) and increased percentages of anesthesiologists who are at high risk for burnout (59.2% to 67.7%) 35 . Perceived lack of support at work is the factor most strongly associated with burnout, and 36% of anesthesiologists indicated that they were likely to leave their jobs within the next 2 years 35 .…”

“…Compared with the prepandemic era, there has been a rise in burnout syndrome in anesthesiologists (13.8% to 18.9%) and increased percentages of anesthesiologists who are at high risk for burnout (59.2% to 67.7%) 35 . Perceived lack of support at work is the factor most strongly associated with burnout, and 36% of anesthesiologists indicated that they were likely to leave their jobs within the next 2 years 35 . The 2022 report from the AAMC, “Understanding and Addressing Sexual Harassment in Academic Medicine,” showed that anesthesiology faculty had the largest proportions of reported harassment experiences among both men (21.3%) and women (52.6%) 36 .…”