Burnout in Radiology.

Burnout is a psychological syndrome that arises in the setting of prolonged work-related stress. Although its specific manifestations are highly variable, the core features of burnout include emotional exhaustion, callousness or apathy towards patients or peers, and feelings of personal inadequacy. Burnout can have profound consequences for the affected physician, his or her patients, and the health care system at large. Increased rates of substance abuse, depression, and suicide have been linked to physician burnout, as have medical errors and lapses in patient safety. Disruptive workplace behaviors, such as presenteeism (which is reduced productivity due to physical or emotional dysfunction), absenteeism (which is nonparticipation in work), high employment turnover, and early retirement also have been linked to physician burnout and depression. In this article, we review causes, preventive measures and possible solutions for physician burnout.