4 in 10 Anesthesia Residents Burnt Out, Could Compromise Patient Safety, Study Says

A recent press release from the journal of Anesthesia & Analgesia announced a study finding high rates of burnout and depression among anesthesia residents.  

 

The study, led by researchers at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., was conducted through analysis of more than 1,500 surveys administered to residents in anesthesiology online. The survey asked residents to rate themselves on personal accomplishments, emotional state and quality of patient care.

 

Analysis revealed that 41 percent of residents were at risk of burning out, 22 percent were possibly depressed and 17 percent were both at risk of burning out and possibly depressed. Risk of burnout was determined from depersonalization, emotional exhaustion and personal accomplishment scores. Possible depression was determined using a standard test.

 

Those who ranked high on risk of burnout and possible depression scales self-reported less attentiveness in patient care and more medication errors on a weekly basis than did lower-risk residents.  

 

The study indicated that burnout was most likely for residents who smoked, residents who had had more than five drinks a week, residents who were female and residents who worked more than 70 hours per week.  

 

Researchers suggested that work-life balance and the provision of psychological screening in anesthesia trainee programs might lower risks of depression and burnout.