OS05.2 Burnout and Career Satisfaction among Neuro-Oncology Health Care Providers: An International Survey

BACKGROUND: Burnout is a syndrome characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and loss of meaning or purpose in work. Among oncologists, burnout has been reported to be significantly higher in those focusing on one type of cancer. CNS tumors are highly aggressive tumors with very poor...

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Published in:	Neuro-oncology (Charlottesville, Va.) Va.), 2017-05, Vol.19 (suppl_3), p.iii9-iii9
Main Authors:	Yust-Katz, S., O’Brien, B. J., Acquaye, A., Armstrong, T.
Format:	Article
Language:	eng
Subjects:	ORAL PRESENTATIONS
Online Access:	Get full text
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Summary:	BACKGROUND: Burnout is a syndrome characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and loss of meaning or purpose in work. Among oncologists, burnout has been reported to be significantly higher in those focusing on one type of cancer. CNS tumors are highly aggressive tumors with very poor prognosis. Caring for patients with CNS tumors can be challenging, and may place neuro-oncology health care providers at risk for burnout. The goal of this study was to explore the incidence and associated factors for burnout in neuro-oncology health care professionals. METHODS: We are conducting an international survey of health care providers of all professions treating patients with CNS tumors. The survey includes questions on demographic, career and lifestyle features. In addition, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, a 22-item questionnaire considered the gold-standard tool for measuring professional burnout, was incorporated. Results: Up to Nov 15 th 324 SNO members have participated in the survey (53% females, 45% neuro-oncologists). Preliminary results indicate that 30% subjectively reported experiencing burnout and 45% reported experiencing burnout in the past. Most of the participants were from the United States (70%). More than 70% of the participants reported working more than 50 hours per week, and 95% reported working from home. Nearly half of participants reported significant stress, and did not meet exercise and sleep recommendations for a healthy lifestyle. 55% considered their income not adequate for the time and effort they devote to their profession. CONCLUSION: Burnout among neuro-oncology health care providers is a common problem. Estimating the prevalence of burnout and associated risk factors is imperative for improving professional and personal satisfaction and patient care. Expanding survey participation worldwide is needed to better understand the impact on the neuro-oncology community and to ultimately establish strategies for better support for neuro-oncology providers.
ISSN:	1522-8517 1523-5866