Burnout and Wellness: The Anesthesiologist’s Perspective

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

27 Scopus citations

Abstract

Burnout syndrome results from unmanaged chronic workplace stress. It is characterized by emotional exhaustion, lack of a sense of personal accomplishment, and depersonalization. Burnout is associated with the development of poor work-related outcomes, mental health disorders, substance abuse, and cardiovascular disease. Burnout in physicians and other health care providers can negatively affect patient care. The prevalence of burnout in anesthesiology is among the highest of all medical specialties, with rates approaching 40%. Unique risk factors for the development of burnout in anesthesiologists may include environmental social isolation, long work hours, lack of control over one’s career, and the presence of certain personality traits that select for a career in anesthesia. System-based interventions targeting workplace contributions to burnout and individual resilience and mindfulness training can be helpful in reducing burnout symptoms. Future research efforts examining both the health care environmental structure and the specific burnout risk factors for anesthesiologists will help produce targeted treatment strategies for members of the anesthesiology community.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)118-125
Number of pages8
JournalAmerican Journal of Lifestyle Medicine
Volume15
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2021

Keywords

  • anesthesia
  • attitudes
  • organizational factors
  • perceptions
  • training

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Health Policy
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Burnout and Wellness: The Anesthesiologist’s Perspective'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this