Stressors contributing to burnout amongst pediatric radiologists: results from a survey of the Society for Pediatric Radiology

Background A recent study showed a high prevalence of burnout in pediatric radiology. Objective The purpose of this study is to evaluate potential stressors contributing to burnout in pediatric radiology. Materials and methods Society for Pediatric Radiology members received an invitation for an anonymous survey evaluating stressors contributing to burnout. Stressors evaluated included call burden, financial stress, work-life balance, health care evolution and job market changes, and radiology as a career choice. Additional questions regarding demographics were obtained. Results The response rate was 460/1,453 (32%). The prevalence of emotional exhaustion was 66% (286/435), depersonalization was 61% (265/433) and perceived lack of personal accomplishment was 15% (67/436). In a backward selective logistic regression model, work-life imbalance and call burden were the only significant factors predicting higher emotional exhaustion ( P <0.001). Using a similar model, work-life imbalance, call burden and decreased rate of reimbursement were significantly associated with higher probability of depersonalization ( P =0.033, 0.0002 and 0.015, respectively). Emotional exhaustion and depersonalization were significantly associated with higher odds of a radiologist’s wish to work in another medical specialty ( P =0.011 and 0.002, respectively). Conclusion Key stressors contributing to burnout in pediatric radiology include work-life imbalance, pediatric call burden and a decreased rate of reimbursement. Burnout in pediatric radiology is a serious issue that needs to be addressed and prioritized on the individual and departmental/institutional levels and further investigated to develop effective interventions to mitigate it.