Multiple-Institution Comparison of Resident and Faculty Perceptions of Burnout and Depression During Surgical Training

Abstract

Importance: Prior studies demonstrate a high prevalence of burnout and depression among surgeons. Limited data exist regarding how these conditions are perceived by the surgical community.

Objectives: To measure prevalence of burnout and depression among general surgery trainees and to characterize how residents and attendings perceive these conditions.

Design, setting, and participants: This cross-sectional study used unique, anonymous surveys for residents and attendings that were administered via a web-based platform from November 1, 2016, through March 31, 2017. All residents and attendings in the 6 general surgery training programs in North Carolina were invited to participate.

Main outcomes and measures: The prevalence of burnout and depression among residents was assessed using validated tools. Burnout was defined by high emotional exhaustion or depersonalization on the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Depression was defined by a score of 10 or greater on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Linear and logistic regression models were used to assess predictive factors for burnout and depression. Residents' and attendings' perceptions of these conditions were analyzed for significant similarities and differences.

Results: In this study, a total of 92 residents and 55 attendings responded. Fifty-eight of 77 residents with complete responses (75%) met criteria for burnout, and 30 of 76 (39%) met criteria for depression. Of those with burnout, 28 of 58 (48%) were at elevated risk of depression (P = .03). Nine of 77 residents (12%) had suicidal ideation in the past 2 weeks. Most residents (40 of 76 [53%]) correctly estimated that more than 50% of residents had burnout, whereas only 13 of 56 attendings (23%) correctly estimated this prevalence (P < .001). Forty-two of 83 residents (51%) and 42 of 56 attendings (75%) underestimated the true prevalence of depression (P = .002). Sixty-six of 73 residents (90%) and 40 of 51 attendings (78%) identified the same top 3 barriers to seeking care for burnout: inability to take time off to seek treatment, avoidance or denial of the problem, and negative stigma toward those seeking care.

Conclusions and relevance: The prevalence of burnout and depression was high among general surgery residents in this study. Attendings and residents underestimated the prevalence of these conditions but acknowledged common barriers to seeking care. Discrepancies in actual and perceived levels of burnout and depression may hinder wellness interventions. Increasing understanding of these perceptions offers an opportunity to develop practical solutions.

Figure.. Perceived Prevalence of Burnout and Depression Among Surgery Residents

General surgery residents in the state of North Carolina completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory and the Patient Health Questionnaire–9 depression screen to assess for burnout (A) and depression risk (B), respectively. This cohort of general surgery residents and their attendings were asked to estimate the prevalence of burnout and depression among general surgery residents. Most residents and attendings underestimated the prevalence of both conditions. Blue arrow denotes actual prevalence.