A recent national survey has revealed alarming levels of burnout among obstetricians and gynecologists in the UK, with rates soaring since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study, conducted in 2022, found that 72% of the 1,114 doctors surveyed met the criteria for burnout, a significant increase from 36% in 2019.
Burnout, as defined by the World Health Organization, is a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress and is characterized by exhaustion, mental distance from one’s job, and reduced professional efficacy. The survey also highlighted a troubling rise in suicidal thoughts among these professionals, from 3% before the pandemic to 9% in 2022.
Understanding the Impact of Burnout
Researchers from Imperial College London, who led the study, emphasized the serious implications of these findings for both healthcare providers and patient care. Professor Tom Bourne, Chair in Gynaecology at Imperial College London, stated, “Burnout not only severely impacts clinicians but also doubles the risk of patient safety incidents and is linked to poor professional behavior.”
Professor Bourne further noted that burnout characteristics, such as lack of empathy and compassion, have been cited in recent investigations into substandard maternity care. “Our study should serve as a warning to healthcare organizations and policymakers to urgently address burnout,” he added.
Survey Methodology and Findings
The survey employed the Maslach Burnout Inventory Survey for Medical Personnel to assess burnout levels among 3,102 doctors in 2019 and 1,114 in 2022. The results showed a stark increase in burnout post-pandemic, with younger resident doctors experiencing the highest levels at 80%. Additionally, 39% of doctors reported practicing defensive medicine in 2022, up from 13% in 2019.
“Doctors experiencing burnout were seven times more likely to have suicidal thoughts and five times more likely to report depression,” the study revealed.
The survey also found that 62% of doctors reported anxiety, 31% depression, and 9% suicidal thoughts in 2022, compared to 33%, 14%, and 3% respectively before the pandemic.
Broader Implications and Calls for Action
This development follows several high-profile inquiries into maternity care failings in the UK and a recent review announced by UK Government Health Secretary Wes Streeting into maternity and neonatal care units. The study’s findings are consistent with a 2023 General Medical Council training survey, which reported that 72% of UK obstetrics and gynecology trainees were at moderate to high risk of burnout.
Professor Bourne highlighted the need for systemic changes, stating, “Burnout should be a major concern for healthcare organizations. Contributing factors include overwork, lack of autonomy, and inadequate support systems.”
Dr. Alison Wright, President-Elect of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, expressed deep concern over the findings. “This is a call to action to improve working conditions for frontline clinicians,” she said, emphasizing the importance of supporting healthcare professionals to ensure optimal patient care.
Future Directions and Recommendations
Experts recommend healthcare organizations implement strategies to mitigate burnout, such as improving doctors’ ability to influence organizational culture, ensuring fair work schedules, and providing effective training and supervision. Creating supportive work environments is crucial to addressing the pressures faced by NHS clinicians.
The study, titled ‘Burnout, wellbeing and defensive medical practice in obstetricians and gynaecologists in the UK before and after the COVID pandemic,’ is published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica. It underscores the urgent need for healthcare systems to prioritize the mental health and well-being of their staff to enhance both clinician and patient outcomes.
As the healthcare sector continues to grapple with the repercussions of the pandemic, addressing burnout among obstetricians and gynecologists remains a critical priority for ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of care delivery.
