Burnout syndrome during residency in internal medicine and pediatrics in a country without working time directive

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate burnout syndrome among internal medicine and pediatrics residents in a country that does not have the working time directive (WTD) and also to determine the risk factors and consequent impact on efficient functioning in clinical areas.

Design/methodology/approach

A 57-item questionnaire was given to internal medicine and pediatrics residents. Responses from 22 pediatrics and 33 internal medicine residents were evaluated.

Findings

Demographic findings, burnout scores, having hobbies, social activities and reading books unrelated to medicine were similar between the two groups. Six pediatrics residents (27.3 per cent) and 11 (33.3 per cent) internal medicine residents met the criteria for clinically significant burnout. Personal accomplishment scores and reading books unrelated to medicine were found to be related to burnout.

Originality/value

Burnout is a syndrome characterized by depersonalization, emotional exhaustion and a low sense of personal accomplishment. It is important to document burnout in countries where WTDs are not implemented. Further studies might demonstrate burnout's effect on patient safety, service quality and physician's performance.

Citation

Yazgan Aksoy, D., Durusu Tanriover, M., Unal, S., Dizdar, O., Kalyoncu, U., Karakaya, J., Unal, S. and Kale, G. (2014), "Burnout syndrome during residency in internal medicine and pediatrics in a country without working time directive", International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Vol. 27 No. 3, pp. 223-230. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJHCQA-12-2012-0127