Keywords: Burnout, General Practitioners (GPs), Maslach burnout inventory

Background:

High rates of burnout are a widespread social problem, especially among helping professions. GPs experience higher burnout rates than many other specialties, resulting in decreased quality of care and impacting both physician and patient health. Despite attracting the attention of many researchers, few studies have been performed to investigate burnout prevalence and related factors among Italian GPs.

Research questions:

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of burnout among a sample of Italian GPs in the same district of the province of Modena (Italy). We evaluated the associated socio-demographic and managerial factors to identify those contributing to burnout, as well as protective factors.

Method:

An analytical-observational study was conducted through an online questionnaire for the GPs of the same district. A shortened, adapted version of the Maslach burnout inventory was administered to evaluate professional well-being and burnout. Socio-demographic data and information on working habits were also investigated.

Results:

In total, 46/64 (71.89%) GPs completed the questionnaire, of whom 28 were female (60.8%). The most represented age group was 31-40 years (32.6%). Overall, 6.5% (3) of the participants experienced burnout, 32.6% were at high risk, 43.5% moderate risk, 15.2% low risk, 2.17% (1) was not at risk of burnout. The 3 participants who experienced burnout were all female and assisted over 1200 patients. Among female GPs, a higher percentage was at high burnout risk (35.7%) than among males (27.8%). The only GP who resulted not at risk was male and assisted over 1500 patients. These results are preliminary: the analysis of working factors is still underway.

Conclusions:

Results suggest female GPs are at higher risk of developing burnout. The role of the number of assisted patients is unclear, suggesting a possible influence of social and managerial factors.

Points for discussion:

Is there an “ideal” managerial approach to fight or prevent burnout?

What other studies or tools are possible to investigate risk or protective factors for burnout in general medicine?