Summary
High burnout rates and mood disturbances are prevalent among orthopedic surgery residents. Evidence-based strategies to prevent burnout include a healthy diet, mindfulness practices, and work-life integration, aiming to enhance well-being and prevent severe outcomes, including suicide risks.
Abstract
Introduction
Residency training is a highly demanding period, particularly in surgical specialties, which are associated with high rates of burnout and mood disturbances. Despite the critical impact on residents' well-being, specific data on these issues among orthopedic surgery residents are limited. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of self-reported burnout and quality of life in orthopedic surgery residents and to propose targeted strategies for improvement.
Methods
An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted using an electronic survey to assess self-reported burnout, depressive symptoms, demographic factors, work-related conditions, social factors, lifestyle habits, medication use, and sleep disorders. Burnout was evaluated using questions adapted from the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Incomplete surveys were excluded from the analysis. Data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression (p < 0.05) to identify significant associations.
Results
A total of 87 residents completed the survey, with the majority aged 30-35 years, and 77% were male. Burnout was reported by 92% of residents at least once per year, with 16% experiencing it several times a week or daily. Sixty-three percent reported depressive symptoms, and 98% and 96% indicated that their mood was affected by residency and interactions with teachers, respectively. A significant number (97%) reported sleeping less than 6 hours daily, and 99% admitted to falling asleep during residency duties (85% during surgical activities or seminars), with 20% experiencing this daily. Statistical analysis identified significant associations between burnout and female gender (p=0.049), longer working hours (p=0.035), and psychostimulant medication use (p=0.019). Conversely, a healthy diet was significantly associated with a lower incidence of burnout (p=0.008).
Discussion And Conclusion
The study highlights a high prevalence of burnout and sleep deprivation among orthopedic surgery residents, with over 90% reporting burnout annually and nearly all experiencing sleep disturbances during residency. Significant factors associated with increased burnout include female gender, extended working hours, and psychostimulant use, while a healthy diet serves as a protective factor. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to enhance resident well-being and reduce burnout. Evidence-based strategies include promoting a healthy diet, ensuring protected time for recreational activities, incorporating mindfulness exercises, and adopting productivity techniques like the Pomodoro Technique. Additional recommendations include establishing mobile-free periods, advocating for work-life integration, offering peer support, and providing resources to build resilience, particularly for younger physicians. Recognizing burnout as a significant occupational hazard is crucial for early intervention, effective management, and preventing severe outcomes, including suicide risks. Implementing these strategies can improve resident well-being and, consequently, patient care quality.