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Cited by 206Healthcare professionals’ stress and burnoutOccupational Health and BurnoutStress and Burnout Research

Burnout Rate and Risk Factors among Anesthesiologists in the United States

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Afonso, Anoushka M., Cadwell, Joshua B., Staffa, Steven J., Zurakowski, David, Vinson, Amy E.·2021·Anesthesiology
DOI 10.1097/aln.0000000000003722PMC PMC9430843
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Abstract

Background: Physician burnout, widespread across medicine, is linked to poorer physician quality of life and reduced quality of care. Data on prevalence of and risk factors for burnout among anesthesiologists are limited. The objective of the current study was to improve understanding of burnout in anesthesiologists, identify workplace and personal factors associated with burnout among anesthesiologists, and quantify their strength of association. Methods: During March 2020, the authors surveyed member anesthesiologists of the American Society of Anesthesiologists. Burnout was assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey. Additional survey questions queried workplace and personal factors. The primary research question was to assess rates of high risk for burnout (scores of at least 27 on the emotional exhaustion subscale and/or at least 10 on the depersonalization subscale of the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey) and burnout syndrome (demonstrating all three burnout dimensions, consistent with the World Health Organization definition). The secondary research question was to identify associated risk factors. Results: Of 28,677 anesthesiologists contacted, 13.6% (3,898) completed the survey; 59.2% (2,307 of 3,898) were at high risk of burnout, and 13.8% (539 of 3,898) met criteria for burnout syndrome. On multivariable analysis, perceived lack of support at work (odds ratio, 6.7; 95% CI, 5.3 to 8.5); working greater than or equal to 40 h/week (odds ratio, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.80 to 2.75); lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/transsexual, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual status (odds ratio, 2.21; 95% CI, 1.35 to 3.63); and perceived staffing shortages (odds ratio, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.76 to 2.42) were independently associated with high risk for burnout. Perceived lack of support at work (odds ratio, 10.0; 95% CI, 5.4 to 18.3) and home (odds ratio, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.69 to 2.69) were most strongly associated with burnout syndrome. Conclusions: The prevalence of burnout among anesthesiologists is high, with workplace factors weighing heavily. The authors identified risk factors for burnout, especially perceived support in the workplace, where focused interventions may be effective in reducing burnout. Editor’s Perspective: What We Already Know about This Topic: What This Article Tells Us That Is New:

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  • A recent survey of ASA members found that nearly 60% of respondents were at high risk of burnout.

    “A recent survey of the members of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) found that nearly 60% of respondents were at high risk of burnout, 34”

    From The anesthesia human resources crisis in Canada (2024) · cites this paper as [34]

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  1. [18]Medicine NAo, National Academies of Sciences E, Medicine. Taking Action Against Clinician Burnout: A Systems Approach to Professional Well-Being. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press; 2019. 31940160

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Authors
Afonso, A. M., Cadwell, J. B., Staffa, S. J., Zurakowski, D., & Vinson, A. E.
Affiliations
Boston Children's Hospital (US)
ORCID
Venue
Anesthesiology
Publisher
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Published
2021-03-05
Volume
134
Issue
5
Pages
683-696
ISSN
  • 0003-3022 (ISSN-L)
  • 1528-1175
DOI
10.1097/aln.0000000000003722
PMC
PMC9430843
OpenAlex
W3134775949
Cited by
206
References
48
Citations by year
2026: 31 · 2025: 37 · 2024: 35 · 2023: 47 · 2022: 38 · 2021: 17
FWCI
38.49
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Anesthesiology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
National Cancer Institute (P30CA008748)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Healthcare professionals’ stress and burnout
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › Occupational Therapy › Occupational Health and Burnout
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Stress and Burnout Research
Keywords
physician burnout, anesthesiologists, burnout, emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, risk factors, working hours, labor shortage, Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey, physician well-being, burnout prevalence, home support, work-life balance, burnout prevention
MeSH terms
Anesthesiologists, Adult, Burnout, Professional, Female, Health Surveys, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Risk Factors, United States, Prevalence

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