Physician burnout : a "meta-o-scopic" analysis

Abstract

This study investigates the contradictions that exist within the physician burnout literature. Through the use of meta-analysis, physician burnout and its relationships to gender, medical specialty, age, illness, and satisfaction were analyzed. The results indicate that female physicians are more emotionally exhausted than male physicians and depersonalization is higher among male than female physicians. General practitioners report higher levels of emotional exhaustion than any other medical specialty. A low to moderate negative correlation exists between physician age and burnout, a moderate to substantial positive correlation exists between burnout and physician illness, and a moderate to substantial negative correlation exists between burnout and physician satisfaction. The results of this project heighten our awareness of the risks associated with being a physician, as well as extend a call to action so that effective and preventative measures can be implemented.