Identifying trends and at-risk demographics among gynecologic oncology doctors regarding wellness and burnout is important for planning future interventions. The results of the 2020 Society of Gynecologic Oncology State of the Society survey were examined, and conclusions were drawn from the survey replies of gynecologic oncologists (GO) and advanced practice providers (APP). The signs of burnout were identified using the Maslach Burnout Inventory. The scale was used to rate the degree to which one’s work and personal life were in harmony.
Mental health issues and burnout prevalence were compared using chi-square testing. Odd odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs were computed to examine the correlation between the sexes and burnout. There were a total of 543 usable survey replies. The majority of GO participants were female (54%), while all APP participants were women. Burnout was more prevalent among female GOs than male GOs across all regions, but was most pronounced in the Northeast (F: 40.9% vs. M: 19.1%, P = 0.007) and the South (F: 42.5% vs. M:22.1%, P = 0.01). Burnout among female GOs over 40 was 1.79 (CI: 1.13-2.83; P = 0.01) times higher than among male GOs of the same age.
Compared to males in similar roles, females in non-private practice suffered 1.66 times the burnout (CI: 1.18-2.94; P < 0.0001). When asked about their work-life balance in each of the 5 categories, female GOs rated themselves lowest. There was greater stress and a greater sense of being overwhelmed among APPs and female GOs than among men. When compared to APPs, GOs were less likely to seek help from a mental health professional or use medicine for mental health issues (P = 0.0003 and P=0.009). It’s not just women GOs struggling with burnout in gynecologic oncology; male GOs experience it, too. Future studies aimed at preventing healthcare professional burnout should include APPs.
Source: sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0090825822005728
