Parker Nina, Falconieri Nora, Shah Harsha, Lees Christoph, Timmerman Dirk, Van Calster Ben, Bourne Tom
Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK.
Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2025 Sep;104(9):1683-1693. doi: 10.1111/aogs.70006. Epub 2025 Jul 29.
There is evidence that burnout rates in doctors are high following the COVID pandemic, but with considerable variation across geographical location and specialty. In 2018, we performed a UK-wide survey of obstetrics and gynecology (O&G) doctors, providing baseline data on burnout, wellbeing, and defensive medical practice (DMP) directly before the pandemic. This study aims to determine the prevalence of burnout, poor wellbeing, and DMP in obstetricians and gynecologists after the pandemic, to compare these to pre-pandemic levels, and to explore the relationship between burnout, poor wellbeing, and DMP.
This was a repeated national cross-sectional survey study. Practicing obstetrics and gynecology doctors registered with the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) were eligible to participate. In 2022, an email containing a survey link was sent to 7388 UK doctors registered with the RCOG. The same method and measures were used as in our previous 2018 study. Burnout prevalence was assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey for Medical Personnel (MBI). Wellbeing and DMP were assessed using self-report questionnaires.
The response rate for the post-pandemic survey was 19% (1400/7388) and 55% (3102/5661) for the pre-pandemic survey. A total of 1114 out of 1400 (80%) met the inclusion criteria and completed the MBI. Burnout criteria were met in 72%, compared with 36% before the pandemic (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 4.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.0 to 5.5). Highest levels were seen in trainees (80%). Thirty-nine percent of doctors reported DMP compared with 13% pre-pandemic. Worse doctor wellbeing was reported across all items; 62% of doctors reported anxiety, 31% depression, and 9% suicidal thoughts compared with 33%, 14%, and 3% pre-pandemic. Burnout was associated with DMP and poor wellbeing, including suicidal thoughts, depression, and anxiety.
This national study suggests high levels of burnout in obstetricians and gynecologists compared with pre-pandemic levels, particularly in trainees. There was a probable decline in wellbeing compared with pre-pandemic levels. Poor wellbeing and DMP were associated with burnout. Burnout interventions to improve doctor wellbeing, quality of care, and patient safety are urgently needed.
有证据表明，新冠疫情后医生的职业倦怠率很高，但在地理位置和专业领域存在很大差异。2018年，我们在英国范围内对妇产科医生进行了一项调查，提供了疫情爆发前关于职业倦怠、幸福感和防御性医疗行为（DMP）的基线数据。本研究旨在确定疫情后产科医生和妇科医生中职业倦怠、幸福感差和DMP的患病率，将这些与疫情前的水平进行比较，并探讨职业倦怠、幸福感差和DMP之间的关系。
这是一项重复的全国横断面调查研究。在皇家妇产科学院（RCOG）注册的执业妇产科医生有资格参与。2022年，一封包含调查链接的电子邮件被发送给7388名在RCOG注册的英国医生。采用与我们之前2018年研究相同的方法和措施。使用医疗人员的马氏职业倦怠量表人类服务调查（MBI）评估职业倦怠患病率。使用自我报告问卷评估幸福感和DMP。
疫情后调查的回复率为19%（1400/7388），疫情前调查的回复率为55%（3102/5661）。1400名中有1114名（80%）符合纳入标准并完成了MBI。72%的人符合职业倦怠标准，而疫情前为36%（调整后的优势比[AOR]4.7，95%置信区间[CI]4.0至5.5）。实习生中的比例最高（80%）。39%的医生报告有DMP，而疫情前为13%。所有项目中医生的幸福感都更差；62%的医生报告有焦虑，31%有抑郁，9%有自杀念头，而疫情前分别为33%、14%和3%。职业倦怠与DMP和幸福感差有关，包括自杀念头、抑郁和焦虑。
这项全国性研究表明，与疫情前相比，产科医生和妇科医生的职业倦怠水平较高，尤其是实习生。与疫情前相比，幸福感可能有所下降。幸福感差和DMP与职业倦怠有关。迫切需要采取干预职业倦怠的措施来改善医生的幸福感、医疗质量和患者安全。
