Burnout among Moroccan Oncologists: A National Survey

Burnout among physicians and caregivers in oncology: the Moroccan experience

Purpose

Caregivers in radiation oncology are exposed to a high risk of burnout which sometimes causes serious consequences for their health, which can in turn affect patient care. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of burnout and its psychological impact on health professionals and determined the factors that predispose to the risk of burnout.

Methods and materials

A cross-sectional survey was conducted with descriptive and analytical purposes among the different teams within the oncology and radiotherapy departments in different hospitals (CHU and regional hospitals) in Morocco, through an online self-questionnaire composed of sociodemographic data, professional data, working conditions, an assessment of interfering factors, the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), the Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scale.

Results

One hundred and eighteen caregivers participated in this evaluation. 62.7% were physicians, 75.4% worked in university hospitals and 53.4% were in radiotherapy departments. Analysis of the three dimensions of the Maslach Burnout Inventory - Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) score found high scores in the dimensions of emotional exhaustion (81.4%) and depersonalisation (79.7%), and low scores in decreased personal accomplishment (46.6%). The evaluation of the impacts of burnout in the latter found a mean of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) at 12.45 + 7.84 and the mean of the GAD-7 at 9.73 + 5.98.

Conclusion

Our results are in line with those found in the literature, hence the need for screening and active prevention of burnout among radiation oncology caregivers.

Burnout in oncology: Magnitude, risk factors and screening among professionals from Middle East and North Africa (BOMENA study)

BACKGROUND

Burnout (BO) among oncology professionals (OP) is increasingly being recognized. Early recognition and intervention can positively affect the quality of care and patient safety. This study investigated the prevalence, work and lifestyle factors affecting BO among OPs in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

METHODS

An online survey was conducted among MENA OPs between 10 February and 15 March 2020, using the validated Maslach Burnout Inventory of emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP) and personal accomplishment (PA), including questions regarding demography/work-related factors and attitudes towards oncology. Data were analysed to measure BO prevalence and risk factors and explore a screening question for BO.

RESULTS

Of 1054 respondents, 1017 participants (64% medical oncologists, 77% aged less than 45 years, 55% female, 74% married, 67% with children and 40% practiced a hobby) were eligible. The BO prevalence was 68% with high levels of EE and DP (35% and 57% of participants, respectively) and low PA scores (49%). BO was significantly associated with age less than 44 years, administrative work greater than 25% per day and the thought of quitting oncology (TQ). Practising a hobby, enjoying oncology communication and appreciating oncology work-life balance were associated with a reduced BO score and prevalence. North African countries reported the highest BO prevalence. Lack of BO education/support was identified among 72% of participants and TQ-predicted burnout in 77%.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest BO study in MENA. The BO prevalence was high and several modifiable risk factors were identified, requiring urgent action. TQ is a simple and reliable screening tool for BO.