Burnout and job satisfaction in orthopaedics

Abstract

Abstract â Burnout among Australian orthopaedic trainees and the factors associated with it

Aim: To study burnout prevalence and associated factors among Australian orthopaedic trainees.

Method: We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional observational study using a 32-question survey consisting of a self-developed item set of 10 questions and a 22-question validated instrument (Maslach Burnout Inventory â Human Services Survey) to assess burnout. The survey was emailed to 236 orthopaedic registrar members of the Australian Orthopaedic Association.

Results: 51 trainees completed the survey, yielding a response rate of 22%. Burnout prevalence among orthopaedic trainees was high (52%) despite high career satisfaction (89%). 55% of trainees were dissatisfied with their work-life balance. Burned out trainees were more likely to be dissatisfied with their choice of orthopaedics as a career (p=0.004) and with their work-balance (p=0.021) compared with their non-burned out counterparts. Females were more likely to be burned out than males and non-married trainees more than married trainees, although these associations were not significant. There was no observed trend for burnout with relation to seniority in the training program.

Discussion: Burnout prevalence among Australian orthopaedic trainees is high despite high career satisfaction. There may be a role for active interventions aimed at combating burnout and improving work-life balance among orthopaedic trainees.

Abstract â Job satisfaction among Australian orthopaedic surgeons and the factors associated with it

Introduction: High job satisfaction has positive outcomes for patients, health institutions and surgeons. There has been no research into job satisfaction primarily among Australian orthopaedic surgeons and its associated factors. The aim of this study was to assess job satisfaction and associated factors among Australian orthopaedic surgeons.

Method: We conducted a nationwide survey using a 24-item questionnaire consisting of a self-developed item set of 14 questions and a 10-question modified version of Warr-Cook-Wall Job Satisfaction instrument to assess job satisfaction. The survey was emailed to 1393 orthopaedic surgeon members of the Australian Orthopaedic Association.

Results: 217 surgeons completed the survey, yielding a response rate of 16%. 88% of responders were either very satisfied or moderately satisfied with their jobs. 20% of responders were dissatisfied with their hours of work and a further 15% of responders were dissatisfied with the level of recognition they get for good work. Surgeons with higher job satisfaction were less likely to feel that workload severely compromised their personal/family life (p<0.001), had better perceived self-health (p=0.04), and were less likely to have considered leaving orthopaedic surgery in the last year (p<0.001).

Discussion: Australian orthopaedic surgeons are highly satisfied with their jobs. There may be a role for active interventions aimed at improving hours of work and work-life balance.