Highlights
- •Burnout persists in GYN Oncology and affects both genders and APPs.
- •>60% of female GYN Oncologists and APPs felt overly stressed, overwhelmed or that life was unmanageable.
- •Over 40% of gynecologic oncologists screened positive for depression.
- •When compared to APPs, physicians are less likely to seek professional mental health care.
Abstract
Objective
To measure wellness and burnout among gynecologic oncology clinicians and identify
trends and at-risk populations to inform future interventions.
Methods
Gynecologic oncologist (GO) and advanced practice provider (APP) responses to the
2020 Society of Gynecologic Oncology State of the Society survey were analyzed. The
Maslach Burnout Inventory criteria for burnout was used. Work-life balance was scored
on a 5-point Likert scale. Chi-square tests were used to compare mental health factors
and the prevalence of burnout. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs)
were calculated for associations between burnout and gender.
Results
543 survey responses were included for analysis. Most GO (54%) and all APP respondents
were female. Female GOs were disproportionately affected by burnout particularly in
the Northeast (female(F): 40.9% vs male(M): 19.1%, p = 0.007) and South (F: 42.5% vs M:22.9%, p = 0.01). Burnout in female GOs over 40 was 1.79 (CI: 1.13–2.83; p-value 0.01) times higher than similarly aged males. Females in non-private practice
experienced burnout 1.66 times that of males in similar positions (CI: 1.18–2.94;
p < 0.0001). Female GOs reported the worst work-life balance across all 5 domains.
APPs and female GOs experienced more stress and feeling overwhelmed compared to men.
GOs were more reluctant to see a mental health professional (p = 0.0003) or take medication (p = 0.009) than APPs.
Conclusions
Burnout in gynecologic oncology persists in both genders and is felt most acutely
by female GOs. APPs are not immune and would benefit from inclusion in future research
to mitigate burnout in healthcare clinicians.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: September 03, 2022
Accepted:
August 24,
2022
Received in revised form:
August 23,
2022
Received:
July 22,
2022
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
