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. 2023 Jul;33(4):1640-1649.
doi: 10.1177/11206721231154611. Epub 2023 Feb 3.

Stress and cataract surgery: A nationwide study evaluating surgeon burnout

Abdus Samad Ansari  1   2 , Annie See Wah Tung  1   3 , David M Wright  4 , Patrick Watts  3 , Gwyn Samuel Williams  1
Affiliations

Stress and cataract surgery: A nationwide study evaluating surgeon burnout

Abdus Samad Ansari et al. Eur J Ophthalmol. 2023 Jul.

Abstract

Background: We aimed to evaluate the nationwide prevalence of stress induced burnout among cataract surgeons. We believe that knowledge of these factors can help formulate a solution to this underreported problem.

Methods: A three-part nationwide cross-sectional survey was disseminated with via the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth) in the United Kingdom(UK). All consultants, trainees and specialty doctors and associate specialists(SAS) were invited to participate. We evaluated burnout using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Logistic regression modelling was completed to look at factors linked to high level burnout in certain domains.

Results: A total of 406 respondents completed our survey. Prevalence of cataract surgery-related high burnout was estimated at 3.45% (Section A and/or B) and 40% within Personal Accomplishment (PA)(Section C of the MBI). Multiple factors were associated with increased burnout within PA: Increasing age: 61+ OR: 2.99 (1.02-8.78, p = 0.05), Number of cataract operations completed: >3000 OR 2.98 (1.03-8.64, p = 0.04), Lists per week: 2: OR 2.99 (1.38-6.47, p < 0.01), 2.5: OR 8.95 (2.58-31.02, p < 0.01), 3 or more: OR 2.64 (1.07-6.54, p = 0.04). Sleeping 8 h or more was found to be protective OR 0.52 (0.28-0.96, p = 0.04). 17% of respondents indicated they would be willing to give up cataract surgery if given the opportunity.

Conclusion: The prevalence of stress induced burnout by cataract surgery appears to be present in a minority of surgeons. There appears to be a significant reduction in the feeling of personal achievement within the profession. A large proportion of this cohort appears to be willing to give up surgical responsibilities.

Keywords: Burnout; United Kingdom; cataract surgery; ophthalmology; stress.

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Conflict of interest statement

The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Demographic details of location and grade of respondents (number of total responses).
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Percentage of correspondents indicating low, moderate and high burnout in each domain of the MBI questionnaire.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Consultant opinions on whether supervising trainee cataract surgeons is more stressful than performing independent lists.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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