Prevalence of Burnout in Occupational and Environmental Medicine Physicians in the United States.

Abstract

To determine prevalence and key drivers of burnout in Occupational and Environmental Medicine physicians in the United States. A nationwide survey of Occupational Medicine physicians was conducted using the Qualtrics® platform. Burnout, measured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory®, Social Support, and Job Satisfaction were assessed. The response rate was 46%, the overall burnout prevalence 38%, and most respondents were men (69%). The mean age and mean years in practice were 56 years and 20 years respectively. Physicians working in government/military (48%) and private medical center group settings (46%) were significantly more likely to report burnout, with consultants (15%) reporting the lowest rate. Although the overall burnout prevalence is lower in Occupational Medicine physicians compared with most specialties, the rate varies significantly by practice setting (15% to 48%) affirming the impact of organizational factors.