Prevalence and co-variates of burnout in consultant hospital doctors: burnout in consultants in Ireland Study (BICDIS)

Abstract

Objectives Burnout is prevalent among doctors and affects the quality of patient care. Little research on burnout in consultant-level doctors has been done. The objective of this study was to measure burnout in the hospital consultant population in Ireland.Methods Surveys were distributed to consultants in Ireland from September to December 2016. The anonymous online survey combined demographic questions and the Maslach Burnout Inventory General Survey.Results Four hundred seventy-seven (22%) consultants completed the survey. Of these, 42% reported high levels of burnout. We found that face-to-face contact with patients, specialty, exercise, remuneration and type of contract influenced burnout levels.Conclusions This study demonstrated that over 40% of the consultants studied are affected by burnout. This finding raises concerns for patient safety and standard of care as well as doctors well-being. Interventions to address and minimise burnout are important to guarantee high patient outcomes and retain medical staff.