Burnout, well-being and defensive medical practice among obstetricians and gynaecologists in the UK: cross-sectional survey study

Summary

In this study published in BMJ Open, Bourne et al. determined the prevalence of burnout in doctors practising obstetrics and gynaecology, and assess the association with defensive medical practice and self-reported well-being.

They carried out a nationwide online cross-sectional survey study of 5661 practising obstetrics and gynaecology consultants, specialty and associate specialist doctors and trainees registered with the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, between December 2017 and March 2018.

They found high levels of burnout were observed in obstetricians and gynaecologists and particularly among trainees. Burnout was associated with both increased defensive medical practice and worse doctor well-being. These findings have implications for the well-being and retention of doctors as well as the quality of patient care, and may help to inform the content of future interventions aimed at preventing burnout and improving patient safety.