Burnout in OMFS Trainees and Consultants - A multi-centre study

ABSTRACT

Introduction/Aims: Burnout is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion as a result of prolonged and excessive stress exposure at work. It is believed to affect at least 40% of surgeons. This study aims to understand how this affects OMFS trainees and consultants and identify the factors that contribute to burnout. Material(s) and Method(s) A questionnaire based on the psychometric properties of the Maslach Burnout Questionnaire - Human Survey Services (MBI-HSS) were studied amongst 65 Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery trainees and consultants across the UK over one week. The data was analysed. Results/Statistics 58.5% respondents are male, 56.9% respondents are aged between 31-40 years and 69.2% respondents are married. 65.5% did dentistry first. 97% respondents worked during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the 22 items from MBI-HSS scale, majority of trainees/consultants demonstrated scores indicating high burnout 67.7% respondents had scores of >26 in the emotional exhaustion scale, 90.7% had scores of >9 in the depersonalisation scale and 93.8% scored <34 in their personal accomplishment evaluation. >50% of respondents report working during COVID-19 and its effects as contributing factors to their burnout. Over 90% report administrative overload as key contributing factors. Childcare, financial, personal concerns and lack of sleep also contribute to it. Conclusions/Clinical Relevance Burnout has been shown to be prominent in OMFS. COVID-19 has contributed to this. 60% of respondents think about leaving OMFS at least a few times a year, if not more. With this in mind, strategic interventions need to be implemented imminently to reduce burnout and promote mental health within the OMFS specialty Copyright © 2022