Burnout in emergency physicians in Hong Kong-A cross-sectional study on its prevalence, associated factors, and impact

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of burnout, its underlying personal or occupational stressors, and impact on individual well-being and patient care. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Participants: All emergency physicians in the public and the private sector in Hong Kong. Method: Self-administered, anonymous, voluntary questionnaires were distributed in physical and electronic forms from April to June 2022. Burnout was assessed by the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Stressors were assessed by questions on demographic, occupational, and social background. Impact was assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depression and questions on job satisfaction and self-perceived patient care. Results: The response rate was 37.8% (n = 241). Prevalence of high overall burnout was 28.2% (n = 68), with 47.7% (n = 115) having high emotional exhaustion, 63.1% (n = 152) high depersonalization, and 56% (n = 135) low personal accomplishment. A higher burnout rate was observed in younger age, female, not married, job position (associate consultant, resident specialist, and higher trainee), working on shift duty, more night shifts, and consecutive shifts. Burnout is also associated with depression, suicidal idea, consideration of quitting, less job satisfaction, and less favorable patient care (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Burnout is prevalent in emergency physicians in Hong Kong, and its impact on individual well-being and clinical care was evident. A higher burnout rate was observed in younger doctors and also fellows. Identified stressors such as shift pattern should be addressed and potentially improved. Further strategies should be explored to reduce burnout in our colleagues.