Never Enough Time: Mixed Methods Study Identifies Drivers of Temporal Demand That Contribute to Burnout Among Physicians Who Care for Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Patients

Date
2021
Language
American English
Embargo Lift Date
Committee Members
Degree
Degree Year
Department
Grantor
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Found At
American Society of Clinical Oncology
Abstract

Purpose: Burnout is a syndrome of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment because of chronic occupational stress. Approximately one third of pediatric hematology-oncology physicians experience burnout. The goal of this mixed methods study was to determine the prevalence and drivers of burnout among physicians caring for pediatric hematology-oncology patients at our institution.

Materials and methods: This mixed methods, cross-sectional study was conducted at a large academic cancer center. Validated survey instruments were used to measure burnout, job demands, experience with patient safety events, and workplace culture. Quantitative data informed development of a semistructured interview guide, and physicians were randomly selected to participate in individual interviews. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed via content analysis based on a priori codes.

Results: The survey was distributed to 132 physicians, and 53 complete responses were received (response rate 40%). Of the 53 respondents, 15 (28%) met criteria for burnout. Experiencing burnout was associated with increased temporal demand. Twenty-six interviews were conducted. Qualitative themes revealed that frequent meetings, insufficient support staff, and workflow interruptions were key drivers of temporal demand and that temporal demand contributed to burnout through emotional exhaustion and reduced personal accomplishment.

Conclusion: Nearly one-third of participating physicians met criteria for burnout, and burnout was associated with increased temporal demand. Qualitative interviews identified specific drivers of temporal demand and burnout, which can be targeted for intervention. This methodology can be easily adapted for broad use and may represent an effective strategy for identifying and mitigating institution-specific drivers of burnout.

Description
item.page.description.tableofcontents
item.page.relation.haspart
Cite As
Blazin LJ, Terao MA, Spraker-Perlman H, et al. Never Enough Time: Mixed Methods Study Identifies Drivers of Temporal Demand That Contribute to Burnout Among Physicians Who Care for Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Patients. JCO Oncol Pract. 2021;17(7):e958-e971. doi:10.1200/OP.20.00754
ISSN
Publisher
Series/Report
Sponsorship
Major
Extent
Identifier
Relation
Journal
JCO Oncology Practice
Rights
Publisher Policy
Source
PMC
Alternative Title
Type
Article
Number
Volume
Conference Dates
Conference Host
Conference Location
Conference Name
Conference Panel
Conference Secretariat Location
Version
Final published version
This item is under embargo {{howLong}}