Sarah Rotstein1, Abdul-Rahman Hudaib2, Adam Facey3, Jayashri Kulkarni4. 1. Psychiatry Registrar, Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Melbourne, VIC, and; Monash University Central Clinical School, Melbourne, VIC, and; Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. 2. Research Medical Officer, Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. 3. Junior Medical Staff, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. 4. Director, Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Doctors are known to have poor mental health compared with the general population. Psychiatrists are exposed to a number of unique stressors that may increase the risk of poor mental health. The aim of this study was to undertake a meta-analysis of burnout rates in psychiatrists. METHODS: Electronic databases (including MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Embase) were searched. Only studies published since 1999 and using the 22-item Maslach Burnout Inventory were included in the analysis. A meta-analysis was conducted using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. RESULTS: A total of 11 studies, across nine publications, were included in the final analysis. Studies were significantly heterogenous but there was no indication of publication bias. The pooled mean for emotional exhaustion was 22.03 (95% confidence interval (CI): 19.71-24.34, tau = 3.74). For depersonalisation, the pooled mean was 7.41 (95% CI: 5.91-8.90, tau = 2.45). The pooled mean for personal accomplishment was 30.00 (95% CI: 24.75-35.27, tau = 8.87). CONCLUSIONS: The high level of psychiatrist emotional exhaustion is a significant concern. Further research is needed to consider the role of modifiable risk factors in the aetiology of psychiatrist burnout.
BACKGROUND: Doctors are known to have poor mental health compared with the general population. Psychiatrists are exposed to a number of unique stressors that may increase the risk of poor mental health. The aim of this study was to undertake a meta-analysis of burnout rates in psychiatrists. METHODS: Electronic databases (including MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Embase) were searched. Only studies published since 1999 and using the 22-item Maslach Burnout Inventory were included in the analysis. A meta-analysis was conducted using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. RESULTS: A total of 11 studies, across nine publications, were included in the final analysis. Studies were significantly heterogenous but there was no indication of publication bias. The pooled mean for emotional exhaustion was 22.03 (95% confidence interval (CI): 19.71-24.34, tau = 3.74). For depersonalisation, the pooled mean was 7.41 (95% CI: 5.91-8.90, tau = 2.45). The pooled mean for personal accomplishment was 30.00 (95% CI: 24.75-35.27, tau = 8.87). CONCLUSIONS: The high level of psychiatrist emotional exhaustion is a significant concern. Further research is needed to consider the role of modifiable risk factors in the aetiology of psychiatrist burnout.
Authors: Michael L Birnbaum; Avner Abrami; John M Kane; Guillermo Cecchi; Stephen Heisig; Asra Ali; Elizabeth Arenare; Carla Agurto; Nathaniel Lu Journal: JMIR Ment Health Date: 2022-01-24