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Resident Burnout on the Internal Medicine Ward

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Abstract

Background

Burnout is common among medical trainees. Whether brief periods of training on the internal medicine ward leads to resident burnout is unknown.

Methods

A survey-based study was conducted at a single academic institution. Medical residents undertaking four-week rotations on the internal medicine ward were included. Burnout was measured at the beginning and end of each rotation using the Maslach Burnout Inventory – Human Services Survey. Burnout was defined as either an emotional exhaustion score of ≥ 27 or a depersonalization score of ≥ 10. Self-reported workplace conditions, behaviors and attitudes were recorded.

Results

The survey response rate was 71% and included 148 participants. The overall prevalence of burnout was 17% higher at the end of the rotation compared to the beginning of the rotation (71% vs. 54%; P < 0.001). Forty-three percent of residents without pre-rotation burnout developed post-rotation burnout. Residents with post-rotation burnout were more likely to report at least one suboptimal behavior or attitude related to patient care or professionalism (84% vs. 35%; P < 0.001). Respondents with new onset burnout were less likely to report being appreciated for their work, having their role as a learner emphasized, and receiving satisfactory support from allied healthcare professionals. New onset burnout was inversely associated with completing a second consecutive internal medicine ward rotation (adjusted OR 0.19; 95% CI, 0.04–0.90; P = 0.04).

Conclusion

Seven in ten residents are in a state of burnout after completing internal medicine ward rotations. Interventions to mitigate burnout development during periods of high intensity clinical training are needed.

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Funding

Study funding was provided by the McMaster University Division of General Internal Medicine AFP Grant.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada

    Michael Ke Wang MD & Zahira Khalid MBBS

  2. Department of Medicine, Trillium Health Partners, Mississauga, Canada

    Olivia Geen MD & Zi Hymn Mach MD

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  1. Michael Ke Wang MD
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Correspondence to Michael Ke Wang MD.

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The authors have no competing interests. Dr. Wang is supported by the PSI Foundation – Research Trainee Award.

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Wang, M.K., Geen, O., Mach, Z.H. et al. Resident Burnout on the Internal Medicine Ward. J GEN INTERN MED 39, 366–372 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-023-08505-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-023-08505-9

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