A Survey of the degree of burnout in state hospitals among Durban and Pietermaritzburg anaesthetists in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

Background: The most widely accepted model that defines the syndrome of burnout is the Maslach Multidimensional Theory of Burnout. According to the theory, burnout has three dimensions: emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalisation (DP), and reduced personal accomplishment (PA). The primary aim of this study is to describe the degree of burnout experienced by anaesthetists working in the eThekwini Hospital Complex and the Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan state hospitals in KwaZulu Natal in South Africa. Methods: The Maslach Burnout Inventory, a well‐tested instrument with high reliability and validity, was used as a measure of burnout through the three subscales of emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, and personal accomplishment. Results: Of the 160 anaesthetic hospital caregivers available, 139 completed the questionnaires giving a response rate of 86.8%. Burnout was found in medical officers (general medical doctors with a diploma in anaesthetics), registrars (general medical doctors with a diploma in anaesthetics or residents training and specializing in anaesthesiology) and consultants (specialist anaesthesiologists with a diploma and a fellowship in anaesthesiology). The prevalence of extreme burnout was 18.7%. Of the total number of participants, a greater proportion of anaesthetic caregivers were female aged 31 to 40 years and a substantial percentage had 4 to 8 years of experience in anaesthesiology. Individuals who reported excellent sleep quality had low emotional exhaustion (100% p<0.005) and low depersonalization (75% p<0.05) scores. When considered individually, the dimensional scores showed that 42% of anaesthetists experienced high levels of emotional exhaustion, 38% reported high levels of depersonalisation, and lack of personal accomplishment was observed in more than 50% of the practising anaesthetists. Exam preparation played a significant role where 49% of participants had high emotional exhaustion scores (p<0.05). Conclusion: High levels of burnout were noted among anaesthetists in KwaZulu Natal. An association was noted between quality of sleep, emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. It was found that participants preparing for exams had high scores in emotional exhaustion. This information could be of value to the department of anaesthesiology as they are in a position to implement interventions that can promote participant well-being. Anaesthesiology departments should evaluate the balance between the demands they place on anaesthetic care providers and the resources provided to sustain an engaged, productive, and satisfied anaesthetic workforce. If the multiple stressors that lead to burnout are not addressed, burnout will plague the anaesthesiology department.