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Cited by 91Healthcare professionals’ stress and burnoutOccupational Health and BurnoutStress and Burnout Research

Burnout in oncologists and associated factors: A systematic literature review and meta‐analysis

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Yates, Matthew, Samuel, Victoria·2019·European Journal of Cancer Care
DOI 10.1111/ecc.13094
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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Oncologists may be particularly at risk of burnout. This systematic literature review and meta-analysis explores the prevalence of burnout and associated factors in oncologists. METHODS: The authors assessed 26 studies that utilised the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) tool to measure burnout. Pooled prevalence rates were calculated via meta-analysis (MetaXL) using random effects models. RESULTS: Approximately 5,768 oncologists provided burnout data. A significant number experience burnout as highlighted by the pooled prevalence rates for MBI subscales of: emotional exhaustion at 32%; depersonalisation at 24%; and low personal accomplishment at 37%. Eighteen of the studies reported factors found to be significantly associated with high levels of burnout in oncology physicians. These were grouped into demographic differences, individual factors and work factors. CONCLUSION: Burnout was found to affect a significant proportion of oncologists. Burnout was associated with being single, being younger in age, reduced psychological well-being, difficulties outside of work, workplace demands and workplace stress. Burnout has considerable implications for oncology physicians and patient safety. Further insight into individual factors, and factors associated with lower burnout would be beneficial.

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  • The wider literature seems to support that younger individuals are associated with a higher prevalence of burnout.

    “The wider literature seems to support that younger individuals are associated with a higher prevalence of burnout (Azam et al., 2017; Singh et al., 2016; Yates and Samuel, 2019).”

    From Psychosocial risk and protective factors associated with burnout in police officers: A systematic review (2023) · cites this paper as Yates and Samuel, 2019

    Section 3.5.1 (Demographics) concludes that there is reasonable evidence younger oncology physicians experience higher levels of burnout, and section 5 (Conclusion) likewise associates burnout with younger age. The cited review concerns oncology professionals, so it does not establish the claim for younger individuals generally. (LLM, conf=0.83)

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Cited by

Sorted by citations

Authors
Yates, M., & Samuel, V.
Affiliations
Cardiff University (GB)
Corresponding author
Yates, Matthew
ORCID
Venue
European Journal of Cancer Care
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2019-05
Volume
28
Issue
3
Pages
e13094-e13094
ISSN
  • 0961-5423 (ISSN-L)
  • 1365-2354
DOI
10.1111/ecc.13094
OpenAlex
W2945245874
Cited by
91
References
7
Citations by year
2026: 6 · 2025: 11 · 2024: 17 · 2023: 15 · 2022: 15 · 2021: 19 · 2020: 5 · 2019: 3
FWCI
1.93
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • European Journal of Cancer Care (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
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
burnout, oncologists, emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, personal accomplishment, Maslach Burnout Inventory, burnout prevalence, psychological well-being, occupational stress, job demands, demographic factors, physician well-being
MeSH terms
Oncologists, Occupational Stress, Age Factors, Burnout, Professional, Humans, Mental Health, Risk Factors, Single Person, Prevalence, Marital Status

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