Elsevier

Burnout Research

Volume 6, September 2017, Pages 9-17
Burnout Research

Review
Burnout and interventions in pediatric residency: A literature review

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.burn.2017.02.003Get rights and content
Under a Creative Commons license
open access

Highlights

  • Literature on burnout in medical trainees is sparse, especially within pediatrics.

  • Evidence shows that burnout affects approximately 50% of pediatric residents and adversely affects their performance.

  • There is limited evidence for effective strategies to mitigate burnout in residents; mindfulness training may be useful.

  • Best evidence suggest that social support from training programs decreases burnout and increases resilience in residents.

  • A national multi-center study is now underway to better define the pathogenesis of burnout and test wellness interventions.

Abstract

Despite an increase in interest in issues related to burnout in medical education and mandates from the national residency accrediting body, available literature is sparse in pediatrics, a medical discipline that requires special empathy and compassion, as well as enhanced communication skills to effectively care for children and their families. Burnout prevalence ranges from 17 to 67.8% of pediatric residents in recent studies. There is little that details the pathogenesis of burnout in these residents and little that compares them with those in other medical disciplines. This comprehensive literature review describes all that is published on burnout and burnout interventions since 2005 in pediatrics and other primary care oriented specialty residents, as well as key papers from pre-2005. This review, with its focus on the available information and evidence-based intervention strategies, identifies four areas for focus for future interventions and directions. It should serve as a useful resource to program directors, medical educators and graduate medical education leadership who are committed to preventing and/or treating burnout in their residents and molding these young physicians to be able to maintain resilience through their careers. This review should also be useful to investigators exploring burnout in other health care professionals.

Keywords

Burnout
Residency
Pediatrics
Literature review
Mindfulness

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