Drivers and sequelae of burnout in U.S. dermatology trainees

Background: Burnout is a health care epidemic. Although burnout has been shown to affect dermatologists in multispecialty studies, there are no such studies in dermatology trainees.

Objective: We conducted a survey-based study of burnout in U.S. dermatology trainees to identify its drivers and sequelae.

Methods: All residents enrolled in a U.S. dermatology training program were eligible. The 45-question survey included the Maslach Burnout Inventory, a validated quality of life index, and 31 questions based on known drivers of burnout and new research questions. No identifying data were collected.

Results: A total of 180 residents responded, for a response rate of 14.4%. Notably, an analysis of the cohort showed that our sample was not statistically different from the national complement of trainees based both on proportion of female respondents and mean age (p = .9449 and .2376, respectively). Of the respondents, 59% were female. The average age was 30.6 years. Sixty-nine percent of trainees (124 of 180) met the criteria for burnout. On univariate analysis, age, sex, training year, and relationship status were not associated with burnout. Good work-life balance (p = .032), autonomy in the workplace (p = .0027), intradisciplinary respect (p = .022), and increased work hours (p = .0110) were protective. On multivariate analysis, autonomy in the workplace (odds ratio: 3.580; confidence interval, 1.32-9.71; p = .012) and good work-life balance (odds ratio: 0.262; confidence interval, 0.095-0.722; p = .0097) remained significant.

Conclusion: Improving control over working environment, as evidenced by the impact of work-life balance and autonomy, may lessen burnout in trainees. Further studies analyzing regional and program-specific variations will help improve trainee experience.