Understanding and appreciating burnout in radiologists

Understanding and appreciating burnout in radiologists

REVIEWED BY Peter Esselbach | ASA SIG: Health and Wellbeing

REFERENCE | Authors: Christopher Bailey, Allison Bailey, Anna McKenney and Clifford Weiss

WHY THE STUDY WAS PERFORMED

Burnout is on the increase in radiology with 49% of respondents in a recent survey reporting burnout. Burnout is a risk factor for mental illness, including major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorders. It is therefore important to understand what burnout is and how to recognise it in ourselves and our colleagues. We also need to be aware of how we might mitigate risk factors for burnout in radiology.

HOW THE STUDY WAS PERFORMED

Data from Medscape’s 2022 National Physician Burnout and Depression Report was collated and examined to answer 3 questions: What drives burnout in radiologists? When does burnout become a clinical concern? How can we mitigate risk factors for burnout in radiology?

Burnout is a risk factor for mental ill health and can affect interpersonal dynamics in multiple social domains. Burnout is also a risk factor for significant mental illness including major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and substance use, particularly in those with predispositions for these conditions.

WHAT THE STUDY FOUND

The top 5 factors contributing to burnout in physicians are: too many bureaucratic tasks; lack of respect from administrators, employers, colleagues, and staff; too many hours at work; lack of autonomy over one’s life; insufficient salary; and frustrations related to the use of electronic medical records. Burnout is considered a depressive syndrome and can be associated with significant functional impairment and a reduction in one’s quality of life. Changes in mood, energy, interest and motivation should not be dismissed and may be an indication for assessment by a mental health professional. Mitigation involves creating a workplace culture that is accepting and supportive of individual wellbeing. Addressing social isolation in radiology may involve providing structure and protected time for both mentorship and informal social interactions. On an individual level, this could involve stress reduction strategies like mindfulness or exercise, but these interventions are insufficient in isolation. Radiology practices should provide education on recognising the signs of burnout and facilitate access to appropriate mental health resources.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Burnout in radiology and with sonographers is a significant and increasing issue. We need to be aware of the signs and symptoms and understand the factors that contribute to this syndrome. Sonographers can implement some of the strategies suggested in this article to help combat burnout in radiology practices.