Burnout in gastroenterology registrars: a pilot study of trainees in the East of England
Authors: Ong John , Swift Carla , Lim Wanyen , Ong Sharon , Al-Naeeb Yasseen , Shankar Arun 
Published: March 2020

Objective

The scale of burnout in UK gastroenterology trainees and the feasibility to determine its prevalence using the validated Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) tool are unknown. A region-wide pilot study was conducted to determine the uptake of a 31-item questionnaire and estimate the prevalence of burnout in gastroenterology trainees within the East of England deanery (EoE). Symptom severity across the three domains of burnout (emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, and low personal accomplishment), and frequently experienced stressors by gastroenterology trainees were also studied.

Design

This was a cross-sectional study involving gastroenterology trainees from 16 hospitals across EoE using a 31-item questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of the 22-item MBI-HSS and 9 additional free-text questions. All gastroenterology trainees in EoE were invited to complete the anonymized survey online. Data were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively.

Results

Uptake of the survey was above-average; 44.0% (40/91) response rate. 57.5% (23/40) of gastroenterology trainees suffered emotional exhaustion. 23.5% (8/34) had depersonalisation and 63.9% (23/36) experienced low professional accomplishment. Burnout prevalence was 35.3% (12/34). Only 48.4% (15/31) of gastroenterology trainees were aware of professional support services within EoE. Stressors related to service requirements and professional relationships were commonly reported; 65.6% and 25.0% respectively.

Conclusions

It is feasible to use a 31-item questionnaire to detect and study burnout in a national cohort of gastroenterology trainees. Burnout in EoE gastroenterology trainees was high and this may reflect the national prevalence within the specialty. Larger studies, greater awareness of burnout, and better access to professional support services are needed.

Summary Box

What is already known about the subject?

Burnout in physicians is a growing problem worldwide which can lead to personal ill-health and suboptimal patient care.

Burnout in young gastroenterology fellows in the US are reported as high as 50% but the prevalence in UK gastroenterology trainees is unknown.

The Maslach Burnout Inventory - Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) is the most validated tool to determine physician burnout but survey length may affect uptake by UK gastroenterology trainees and the feasibility of future studies.

What are the new findings?

This pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of a 31-item questionnaire which included the MBI-HSS in studying burnout in UK gastroenterology trainees.

Emotional exhaustion and a sense of low personal accomplishment affect more than half of gastroenterology trainees within the East of England.

The prevalence of burnout in UK gastroenterology trainees is estimated to be high (35.3%) but larger studies are needed.

Approximately half of gastroenterology trainees in the East of England were not aware of existing support services to help them cope with burnout.

How might it impact on clinical practice in the foreseeable future?

This pilot study may increase the awareness of burnout among UK trainees and trainers in gastroenterology.

An estimate of burnout prevalence in UK gastroenterology trainees is provided so future research and remediation measures in the specialty can be justified.