Like lemmings over a cliff : a study of Alberta physician burnout

Abstract

The prevalence and severity of physician burnout in Alberta was investigated. A total of 1161 out of 6584 (17.6%) practicing physicians, retired physicians, residents, and medical students responded to the survey either by fax, mail, or electronic version. The survey consisted of one demographic section and four burnout measures, one of which was the Modified Maslach Burnout Inventory (MMBI). More specifically, and relative to the Alberta physician population numbers provided by the Alberta Medical Association (AMA), 22 % were practicing physicians; 9.2 % retired; 7.5 % residents, and 1.3 % medical students. Based on the Phase Model, almost ha1f(i.e., 48.6%) of Alberta physicians are found to be in an advanced phase of burnout (i.e., phases VI, VII, & VIII). A comparison of these data with other occupations and countries is also offered.