Burnout and career satisfaction in neuro-oncology: a survey of the Society for Neuro-Oncology and the European Association of Neuro-Oncology memberships. Issue 6 (13th December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yust-Katz, Shlomit; O'Brien, Barbara; Vera, Elizabeth; Acquaye, Alvina; Weller, Michael; Armstrong, Terri
• Is Part Of: Neuro-oncology. Volume 22:Issue 6(2020)
• Page Start: 838
• Page End: 850
• Publication Date: 2019-12-13
• Subjects: job satisfaction -- neuro-oncology -- professional burnout -- survey; Brain Neoplasms -- Periodicals; Brain -- Tumors -- Periodicals; Brain -- Cancer -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Cancer -- Periodicals; 616.99481
• DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noz229
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1522-8517

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Professional burnout is a syndrome characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and loss of personal achievement. Burnout is a significant issue among health care providers, and neuro-oncology providers may be at high risk. We conducted a survey to evaluate burnout and career satisfaction among those caring for patients with brain tumors, and to identify risk factors for burnout. Methods: We distributed an anonymous online survey to Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO) members in 2016 and to European Association of Neuro-Oncology (EANO) members in 2017. The survey comprised questions about personal and professional characteristics and the validated Maslach Burnout Inventory–Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) questionnaire. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, univariate and multivariate analyses, and incorporation of recently defined burnout profiles. Results: Sixty-three percent of SNO and 61% of EANO participants were identified as having high burnout according to MBI-HSS. Among SNO participants, physicians had a lower rate of high burnout (61%) compared with allied health professionals (68%, P < 0.01) and basic scientists (83%, P < 0.01). Regarding the factors most commonly contributing to high burnout, SNO participants most commonly experienced high emotional exhaustion (48% of SNO participants vs 34% of EANO participants), whereas EANO participants most commonly experienced low personal achievement (40% vs 28%). Among both SNO and EANO participants, increasing job satisfaction reduced the likelihood of high burnout. Conclusions: The prevalence of burnout among neuro-oncology professionals is high and personal risk factors were identified. Burnout profiles recognize a continuum of well-being and warrant further research.