Changes in Burnout and Satisfaction With Work-Life Integration in Physicians and the General US Working Population Between 2011 and 2023

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of burnout and satisfaction with work-life integration (WLI) among physicians and US workers in 2023 relative to 2011, 2014, 2017, and 2020, as well as physicians in 2021.

Participants and methods: Between October 19, 2023, and March 3rd, 2024, we surveyed US physicians and a probability-based sample of the US working population using methods similar to previous studies. Burnout and WLI were measured using standard tools.

Results: Demographic characteristics of the 7643 survey participants were similar to those of practicing US physicians (N=936,074), although participants were more likely to be women (39.6% vs 37.9%). Nonresponder analysis suggested participants were representative of US physicians with regard to burnout and satisfaction with WLI. Overall, 45.2% of physicians reported at least 1 symptom of burnout in 2023 compared with 62.8% in 2021 (P<.001), 38.2% in 2020 (P<.001), 43.9% in 2017 (P=.16), 54.4% in 2014 (P≤.001), and 45.5% in 2011 (P=.49). Overall, 42.2% of physicians (n=2732) were satisfied with WLI in 2023, compared with 30.3% in 2021 (P<.001), 46.1% in 2020 (P<.001), 42.8% in 2017 (P=.02), 40.9% in 2014 (P<.001), and 48.5% in 2011 (P <.001). On multivariable analysis of 2023 participants, physicians were at increased risk for burnout (odds ratio=1.82; 95% CI, 1.63 to 2.05) and were less likely to be satisfied with WLI (odds ratio=0.59; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.66) than other US workers.

Conclusion: Burnout among US physicians improved between 2021 and 2023 and is currently at levels similar to 2017. However, US physicians remain at higher risk for burnout relative to other US workers.