Burnout in Neurosurgery in the Postpandemic Era

Objective

Burnout syndrome impacts 1 of 2 neurosurgeons and negatively impacts both the individual and institution. The impact of burnout on neurosurgeons may have increased due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Characteristics of burnout may differ among neurosurgeons and non-neurosurgeon physicians, and this may better target wellness initiatives designed to alleviate burnout.

Methods

Validated burnout inventories (Maslach Burnout Inventory) were provided to physicians, including neurosurgeons, at a single, large academic institution. Rates of burnout and specific characteristics of burnout were compared. Free-response answers describing specific characteristics of burnout were also collected for neurosurgeons.

Results

A total of 294 physicians responded to the survey, including 40 neurosurgeons. The rate of burnout between neurosurgeons and non-neurosurgeons did not differ (39% vs. 34%; P = 0.631), but there were notable differences in the characteristics of burnout. Neurosurgery respondents were more likely to report depersonalization (P < 0.001), and an additional 42.5% of neurosurgeon respondents reported a “period of hardship,” which may lead to subsequent burnout. Neurosurgeons also more frequently reported higher feelings of personal accomplishment (P < 0.001). Targeted wellness interventions specific to neurosurgeons may alleviate and prevent burnout.

Conclusions

We show that although the rate of burnout does not differ for neurosurgeons, the characteristics of burnout may. This may represent the key to providing specialty-specific targeted interventions to alleviate burnout. Furthermore, there is a significant proportion of neurosurgeons at risk for subsequent burnout for which additional importance must be placed to prevent progression to burnout.