The burnout: a silent saboteur in in vitro fertilization laboratories

Abstract

Embryologists operate in highly demanding environments where burnout is an increasingly recognized occupational hazard. This review aims to delineate the types, causes, and consequences of burnout among embryologists, compare burnout prevalence across medical laboratory specialties, and propose evidence-based strategies for mitigation, emphasizing its impact on patient outcomes and laboratory performance. A comprehensive literature review synthesized findings from cross-sectional surveys, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and consensus guidelines related to burnout in healthcare and laboratory settings. Special focus was given to embryology-specific data, including occupational stressors, emotional labor, and workload metrics. Comparative analyses were performed to contextualize embryologist burnout within broader laboratory medicine. Embryologists report the highest emotional burnout levels among assisted reproductive technology (ART) professionals. Contributing factors include excessive workloads, irregular hours, outcome visibility, ethical dilemmas, limited career progression, and poor interdepartmental communication. Burnout negatively affects cognitive performance, psychomotor precision, protocol adherence, and communication, directly impacting IVF outcomes. High-burnout laboratories show increased witnessing discrepancies and reduced patient satisfaction. Evidence suggests that burnout is not only a personnel issue but also a critical quality and safety concern. Burnout in IVF laboratories is a systemic issue that compromises embryologist well-being and ART success. Multilevel interventions-spanning organizational policies, regulatory frameworks, leadership development, and technological innovations-are essential. Integrating burnout assessment into routine quality assurance and regulatory monitoring can enhance staff sustainability and patient care outcomes in reproductive medicine.

Keywords: Assisted reproductive technology; Burnout management; Embryologist burnout; IVF success rates; Laboratory KPIs; Vienna consensus; Well-being.