The impact of burnout on oncologists and hematologists: <i>Nunc agendum est</i> (now is the time to act).

Abstract

9014 Background: Burnout among oncologists is a pressing global issue, with prevalence rates ranging from 25% to 70%. South Asia, in particular, has reported alarmingly high rates, primarily driven by heavy patient load, long working hours, administrative demands, and very limited resources. This study aims to explore the prevalence of burnout, its associated stress symptoms, coping mechanisms, and the role of institutional support, with a focus on practical strategies to mitigate burnout. Methods: A cross-sectional survey involving 342 oncologists and hematologists in India was conducted using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) framework. This framework assessed 3 key dimensions of burnout: emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and reduced personal accomplishment (PA). Additional variables included stress symptoms, burnout severity, contributing risk factors, and coping strategies. Statistical analyses such as Pearson correlation, logistic regression, and factor analysis were performed. Odds Ratios (ORs) were calculated to assess impact of various risk factors, while factor loadings were used to identify underlying domains contributing to burnout. Results: Burnout Prevalence: Moderate-to-severe burnout was reported by 43% of respondents. Emotional exhaustion was experienced occasionally by 34.4% and frequently by 31.2%. Depersonalization affected 17.6%. Key Risk Factors: Long working hours increased burnout risk by 2.45 times (OR: 2.45, 95% CI: 1.72–3.48). Administrative workload strongly correlated with emotional exhaustion (r = 0.68, p &lt; 0.01). Core Domains (Factor Analysis): Systemic Challenges: High patient loads and administrative tasks (factor load &gt; 0.75). Individual Resilience: Practices like meditation and yoga reduced burnout (factor load &gt; 0.70). Organizational Support: Psychological resources and peer discussions were critical (factor load &gt; 0.80). Coping Strategies: Meditation reduced burnout likelihood (OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.42–0.96). Peer discussions and group therapy eased depersonalization symptoms (p &lt; 0.05). Specialty-Specific Insights: Medical Oncologists: Highest emotional exhaustion (45%). Radiation Oncologists: Moderate depersonalization (41%). Surgical Oncologists: Strongly benefited from peer support (factor load = 0.78). Conclusions: Burnout among oncologists requires immediate action. Effective solutions include reducing systemic burdens, providing institutional psychological support, and encouraging individual resilience strategies like meditation and peer discussions. Addressing burnout is critical to improving oncologists' well-being and ensuring quality patient care. Statistical associations of risk factors with burnout. Risk Factor OR (95% CI) p-value Long Working Hours 2.45 (1.72–3.48) &lt;0.01 Administrative Workload 2.10 (1.56–2.89) &lt;0.01 Lack of Work-Life Balance 1.85 (1.34–2.56) &lt;0.05 Poor Institutional Support 1.96 (1.40–2.75) &lt;0.05