P-572 The occupational challenges reported by UK embryologists: stress, fatigue, and burnout
Authors: Murphy A , Lapczynski M , Proctor G , Meyer E C , Glynn T , Domar A , Gameiro S , Palmer G , Collins M G 
Published: June 2023

Study question

To determine the prevalence of occupational stress, fatigue, and burnout reported by UK embryologists and their perceived impact of work conditions on wellbeing.

Summary answer

The surveyed UK embryologists reported low somatic symptom severity and moderate perceived stress, but high levels of burnout and overall stressful working conditions.

What is known already

High levels of occupational stress, fatigue, burnout, and occupational health issues have been reported among embryologists in the Spanish, US, and international surveys. These issues were associated with embryologist’s occupational challenges and work conditions. Most (58.3%) of the previous UK survey participants reported work-related health issues, including stress/mental health problems (27.8%). However, that study did not evaluate stress and burnout utilizing the same standardized measures as recent US and international surveys, both of which identified considerably higher burnout than the Spanish survey. The present study will address this gap and identify issues that concern UK embryologists using our survey toolkit.

Study design, size, duration

A cross-sectional, mixed methods web-based survey was sent via email to 253 of an estimated ∼400 UK embryologists working in Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA)-licensed UK ART/IVF clinics and private practices in January 2023. Participants self-reported their stress levels, fatigue, burnout, and work conditions (cryopreservation, technology, overtime work, doing double-work, employer understanding, etc.).

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Proportions across the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-15), and a single-item work unit grade (A–F), and customized occupational and sociodemographic questionnaires were calculated using descriptive statistics. Welch’s t-test and ANOVA to compare PSS and PHQ-15 scores between the groups categorized by occupational questions, and Pearson’s correlation coefficients and multivariate analysis to cross-correlate statistically significant and biologically important parameters will be utilized once the survey is closed.

Main results and the role of chance

To date, of 253 embryologists, 104 (41%) completed the survey (mean age 34.3 years, 88% female); 77% worked in private/for-profit, 17% government, 5% corporate, and 1% academic settings. A total of 60% of the respondents reported symptoms of burnout on the MBI exhaustion dimension and 42% on MBI cynicism, and 68% of them reported being unable to cope with their workload. The PSS showed moderate perceived stress, and the PHQ-15 showed low somatic symptom severity, with 38% reporting fatigue. Additionally, 2% experienced constant, 13% high, 33% moderate, 37% mild, and 15% no anxiety. Moreover, 53% reported the current cryopreservation processes caused anxiety, 63% reported technology would ease the burden on the lab staff, and 74% reported technology would lessen their stress as an embryologist. Regarding their workplace environment and culture, 80% reported working overtime, 57% found themselves doing double work due to a lack of technology integrations and analog record, and 80% felt their employers did not understand their occupational challenges. When asked to rate their work unit safety, 38% of embryologists gave their laboratories grade of A (excellent), 50% B (very good), 10% C (acceptable), 3% D (poor), and 0% F (failing).

Limitations, reasons for caution

This study is limited by the self-reporting nature of the data collection via on-line surveys, which precluded interviewing or follow-up questions of embryologists.

Wider implications of the findings

Overall, work-related health issues and occupational challenges reported by UK embryologists align with results from recent surveys and could be addressed by organizational enhancements and technology improvements. Lower levels of job-specific stress and burnout among them compared to their colleagues might be due to HFEA-provided structure/certainty to their professional responsibilities.

Trial registration number

NCT05708963