Factors Associated With Dissatisfaction Among Obstetricians and Gynecologists in the United States [19G]. Issue 1 (May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cha, Sandolsam; Smith, Heather A.; Atallah, Fouad; Chalas, Eva; McCalla, Sandra; Goffman, Dena
• Is Part Of: Obstetrics and gynecology. Volume 129:Issue 1(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-05
• Subjects: Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; 618
• DOI: 10.1097/01.AOG.0000514884.67483.e5
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0029-7844

Abstract

Abstract : INTRODUCTION: There is growing concern about physician burnout and dissatisfaction. Characterizing sociodemographic and practice-environment characteristics associated with dissatisfaction among obstetricians and gynecologists (OB-GYNs) can aid in developing mechanisms to better support physicians and promote wellness. METHODS: A 24-question survey querying sociodemographic and practice-related information was electronically distributed nationally to board-certified OB-GYNs. The primary outcome was dissatisfaction in clinical and personal domains. Univariate analyses were performed using chi-squared/Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel statistics, and multivariable by logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the 5005 respondents, 28.9% were dissatisfied with clinical workload and 35.5% with their ability to meet personal responsibilities. Following regression, factors associated with dissatisfaction in 3 or more domains include: female gender (Adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) 1.50, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.31-1.72), required call-shifts (aOR 1.18, 95% CI 1.04-1.34), more than 45 clinical hours weekly (aOR1.54, 95% CI 1.35-1.75), less than 6 hours of sleep nightly (aOR1.68, 95% CI 1.48-1.92), experience of major fatigue-related consequences (aOR5.99 95% CI 4.63-7.75), and work-related stress (aOR 4.2, 95% CI 3.0-5.7). Protective factors include laborist practice (aOR 0.50, 95% CI 0.35-0.74) and receipt of incentive-pay in addition to base salary (aOR 0.82, 95% CI 0.69-0.96). Among respondents who reported fatigue-related consequences, factors associated with resilience against dissatisfaction include being married (aOR 0.71, 95% CI 0.59-0.85) and practice-designs of laborist (aOR 0.46, 95% CI 0.32-0.67) or small private group (aOR 0.70, 95% CI 0.57-0.85). CONCLUSION: Identifying individuals or populations at increased risk for dissatisfaction can help development of interventions on both individual and systems-level, and provide insight into enhancement of future practice designs.