Examination of burnout for severity and risk factors in New Zealand otolaryngologists: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Burnout is an increasingly important phenomenon amongst healthcare professionals and leads to poorer healthcare delivery and provider well-being. This research sought to assess the severity and risk factors for burnout within the community of specialist otolaryngologists in New Zealand. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted amongst all New Zealand Otolaryngologists over a 6-month period from March to September 2019 to determine degree and severity of burnout. All otolaryngology consultants practicing in New Zealand were included in the study. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI-HSS) was used to assess burnout. Demographic and work-related factors were collected in a separate questionnaire developed by the authors and univariate statistical analysis was conducted on each potential risk factor. Chi-square and Kendall's Tau-B statistical tests were utilised to ascertain correlation with burnout. Results: Questionnaires were sent to 109 participants and 75 complete responses were returned. The prevalence of burnout in this group was 37.3%, with 9.3% demonstrating severe burnout. Predictors of burnout included feeling dissatisfied with their careers [rt=0.423, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.289-0.540, P<0.001], feeling burdened by on-call demands [χ2 (1, n=75)=13.385, P<0.001], and feeling that work was interfering with their personal, social, and family commitments (rt=0.361, 95% CI: 0.221-0.487, P<0.001). Participants subjectively feeling burnt out were more likely to meet the criteria for burnout on the MBI-HSS scale [χ2 (1, n=74)=18.594, P<0.001]. Conclusions: A high proportion of New Zealand otolaryngologists suffered burnout. This poses significant risks to safe and efficient healthcare delivery as well as provider well-being. Additionally, there are likely more surgeons suffering moderate burnout than previously thought.