Prevalence of the burnout syndrome among Brazilian medical oncologists

Systematic review of the relationship between burn-out and spiritual health in doctors

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between burn-out and spiritual health among medical doctors.

DESIGN

Systematic literature review and narrative synthesis of cross-sectional studies.

SETTING

Any setting, worldwide.

DATA SOURCES

Five databases were searched from inception to March 2022, including Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Any study design that involved medical doctors (and other healthcare staff if assessed alongside medical doctors), that measured (in any way) both burn-out (or similar) and spiritual health (or similar) medical doctors.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

All records were double screened. Data extraction was performed by one reviewer and a proportion (10%) checked by a second reviewer. Quality was assessed using the Appraisal of Cross-sectional Studies tool. Due to the heterogeneity of the included studies, a narrative review was undertaken without a meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Searches yielded 1049 studies. 40 studies met eligibility criteria and were included in this review. Low reported levels of spirituality were associated with high burn-out scores and vice versa. Religion was not significantly associated with lower levels of burn-out. Few studies reported statistically significant findings, few used validated spiritual scores and most were vulnerable to sampling bias.

CONCLUSIONS

Published research suggests that burn-out is linked to spiritual health in medical doctors but not to religion. Robust research is needed to confirm these findings and develop effective interventions.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42020200145.

The Association of Life Events Outside the Workplace and Burnout: A Cross-Sectional Study on Nursing Assistants

Background: Burnout, by definition, is related to adverse chronic workplace stressors. Life events outside the workplace have been associated with an increased risk of psychiatric morbidity. However, it is unknown whether life events outside the workplace increase the severity of burnout. Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the association between burnout and life events outside the workplace in nursing assistants. Methods: In an observational, cross-sectional, single-site study of 521 nursing assistants at a university hospital, we assessed burnout with the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey, and life events with the Social Readjustment Rating Scale. We constructed equations of multiple linear regression analyses that included each burnout subscale as the dependent variable and a domain of life events as the independent variable. Results were adjusted for potential confounders, including gender, no religion or faith, years of work, and depression. Results: An increase in the number of life events in the domain of personal changes or difficulties (e.g., personal injury or illness, sexual difficulties, change in recreation, church activities, social activities, sleeping habits, eating habits and revision of personal habits) was associated with increased severity of emotional exhaustion. An increase in the number of life events in the domain of changes in familial situation and in the domains of death of relatives or friends were associated with increased severity of depersonalization. Those associations were independent of work-related life events and other potential confounders. Conclusions: Life events outside the workplace may increase the levels of burnout in nursing assistants.

Burnout and Oncology: an irreparable paradigm or a manageable condition? Prevention strategies to reduce Burnout in Oncology Health Care Professionals

BACKGROUND

Burnout is a stress-induced occupational related syndrome, characterized by Emotional Exhaustion (EE), feeling of depersonalization (DP) and low sense of professional accomplishment (PA). The aim of this study is to analyse the effectiveness of interventions in decreasing health professionals Burnout as well as work and life-style risk factors.  Methods: A survey in Medical Oncology Department in the University Hospital of Parma was conducted using the validated Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and two additional questionnaires exploring lifestyle and work factors. An 8-months intervention involved fortnight meetings by facilitators, incorporated elements of reflection, shared experiences and managing emotions. Six months after the end of the intervention a second survey was performed among the participants using MBI and the same questionnaires mentioned above.  Results: EE resulted the most problematic score in Day Hospital: after the 8-month intervention we described a significant decreasing in EE score especially for Day Hospital operators (from 16.7 to 10.9) and a considerable reduction in DP score. In the Oncology Ward a correlation between lack of collaboration among different health categories and DE score was detected; in the Day Hospital the absence of solid working teams was related to higher EE scores.  Conclusion: The Oncology professional health care personnel are at the greatest risk of Burnout. Our study in Oncology Department shows that specific intervention should be used to prevent and reduce Burnout. Effective personal health care strategies should be incorporated into routine oncology care to prevent and treat Burnout.

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.

Factors contributing to burnout and work-life balance in adult oncology nursing: An integrative review

PURPOSE

Occupational stress and burnout are highlighted as the most prevalent workplace issues for adult oncology nurses. With today's global nursing workforce shortage; coupled with oncology being an inherently challenging and complex speciality, this clearly indicates the need to understand factors that contribute to burnout in adult oncology nurses and improve work-life balance. The aim of this integrative review is to synthesis the evidence on burnout and work-life balance for adult oncology nurses.

METHOD

A systematic search of four databases (CINAHL, Ovid Medline, PsycINFO and Scopus), identified 17 quantitative and three mixed-method studies. Studies were critically appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Following data extraction, a qualitative evidence synthesis utilising an inductive approach was adopted to better understand influential factors, generating analytical themes.

RESULTS

One study had a specific focus on what ameliorates work-life balance for oncology nurses; depicting an area that warrants further study. All studies reported on burnout, of which six analytical themes were further categorised into two broad themes, namely: (1) 'Inability to thrive': struggling with workplace burnout due to organisational challenges and (2) 'Personal perspectives influencing burnout', for adult oncology nurses. Burnout was influenced by multiple oncology-specific factors due to quantitative workload demands and disease acuity. Workplace culture, shift in additional hours being worked remotely and personal characteristics of the nurse, also influenced susceptibility for the development of burnout in oncology nurses.

CONCLUSION

Confronting burnout and promoting wellness are the shared responsibility of both individual adult oncology nurses and their organisations to build resilience and help sustain and build workforce capacity.

Burnout and work stress among medical oncologists: Egyptian multi-centric study

Background

Cancer-care health professionals are at great risk of workplace stress and high burnout levels. Only a few studies were studying the prevalence of workplace stress and burnout in medical oncologists in Egypt. The aim of the work is to study the prevalence of burnout levels and work stress among medical oncologists working at multi-centers in Egypt (Cairo, Menoufia, Fayoum, and Assiut university hospitals). A cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 100 medical oncologists at four medical oncology centers in Egypt. Self-administered Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) questionnaire and Workplace Stress Scale (WSS) were used to assess the burnout and stress levels respectively among the participants.

Results

Out of 100 participants, 32% were overall burnout positive as they met the criteria for all the burnout subscales. The percentages of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal capacity were 30%, 30%, and 25%, respectively. About 60% were having job stress. The present study showed that younger age (≤ 40 years), female gender, being single, with no children, junior physicians (residents or physicians < 10 years in practice), with work time directed to both patient care and research, and those with more than 6 shifts per month were associated with higher burnout and workplace stress.

Conclusion

Medical oncologists experienced high burnout levels and workplace stress. More studies are needed to assess these problems in large scales to try to mitigate them.

Workplace-related stress among oncologists: Egyptian single-centered observational study

Background

The oncologists are facing more challenges than ever before in their work with cancer patients. The aim of the study is to assess the level of work-related stress among oncology clinicians and to compare it with non-oncologists. Thirty oncologists working at clinical oncology department at Menoufia University hospitals, Egypt, were compared to an equal number of non-oncologists matched for the same gender and work duration. After consent, all the participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire to collect background information and the workplace stress scale (WSS) was used to ascertain their stress level.

Results

The percentage distribution of different grades of WSS among the two groups did not show any significant difference (P = 0.84). Gender had no significant association to the mean score of WSS (P > 0.05). All the juniors (residents) in this study with work duration ≤ 3 years had significantly higher levels of WSS than seniors (> 3 years), P < 0.001. Among oncologists or non-oncologists, juniors showed significantly higher levels of WSS than seniors (P = 0.003 and < 0.001 respectively). However, junior oncologists had no significant difference than junior non-oncologists and seniors in both groups did not show any significant difference regarding the mean score of WSS.

Conclusion

All the workers within the two groups had experienced work-related stress. However, there was no statistically significant difference among them regarding the different grades of work place stress scale.

Burnout in oncologists and associated factors: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Oncologists may be particularly at risk of burnout. This systematic literature review and meta-analysis explores the prevalence of burnout and associated factors in oncologists.

METHODS

The authors assessed 26 studies that utilised the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) tool to measure burnout. Pooled prevalence rates were calculated via meta-analysis (MetaXL) using random effects models.

RESULTS

Approximately 5,768 oncologists provided burnout data. A significant number experience burnout as highlighted by the pooled prevalence rates for MBI subscales of: emotional exhaustion at 32%; depersonalisation at 24%; and low personal accomplishment at 37%. Eighteen of the studies reported factors found to be significantly associated with high levels of burnout in oncology physicians. These were grouped into demographic differences, individual factors and work factors.

CONCLUSION

Burnout was found to affect a significant proportion of oncologists. Burnout was associated with being single, being younger in age, reduced psychological well-being, difficulties outside of work, workplace demands and workplace stress. Burnout has considerable implications for oncology physicians and patient safety. Further insight into individual factors, and factors associated with lower burnout would be beneficial.

Doctor, are you healthy? A cross-sectional investigation of oncologist burnout, depression, and anxiety and an investigation of their associated factors

Purpose

Doctors who work at cancer hospitals are at high risk of developing emotional distress. This study evaluated the prevalence of burnout, anxiety, and depression in a sample of oncologists of various specialties and sought to identify how much of this distress is explained by specific pre-established characteristics.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used online surveys. Burnout was measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), and anxiety and depression were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The variables associated with p-values < 0.10 in the univariate analyses were included in blocks of hierarchical binary logistic regression models to identify the predictors of burnout, depression, and anxiety.

Results

Of the 227 physicians (response rate = 70.5%), 132 (58.1%) were identified as having burnout (high emotional exhaustion [EE] and depersonalization [DP]); furthermore, 28 (12.3%) had depression (HADS-D ≥ 11), and 44 (19.4%) had anxiety (HADS-A ≥ 11). The block of perceptions related to the workplace explained 22.4%, 7.7%, and 10.6% of the variances of burnout, depression, and anxiety, respectively. On the other hand, the outside-of-work characteristics block explained only 3.1%, 13.4%, and 3.4% of the variances of burnout, depression, and anxiety, respectively.

Conclusions

Work-related stressors are associated with burnout, but few are associated with anxiety and depression. Outside-of-work characteristics explained little of the distress reported by physicians. Strategies focused on perceptions of professional recognition and lower workloads that stimulate positive relationships between doctors and other health professionals are desirable in oncological context.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-018-4964-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Burnout among Lebanese Oncologists: Prevalence and Risk Factors

Background:

Burnout syndrome (BOS) is defined as a work-related psychological state characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and low sense of personal accomplishment. Despite the extensive data on physician burnout, studies assessing the prevalence of burnout among oncologists in the Middle East and especially Lebanon are lacking. Our main objective was to determine this prevalence as well as identify potential factors associated with the development of burnout.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study conducted among medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists attending several Continuing Medical Education (CME) activities in Lebanon over the course of a three month period. Participants were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire composed of socio-demographic and work characteristics, as well as the Maslach Burnout Inventory- Human Service Survey (MBI-HSS).

Results:

A total of 51 oncologists completed the survey. Medical oncologists constituted the majority (84.3%), followed by surgical oncologists (9.8%) and radiation oncologists (5.9%). Approximately 47.1% of our sample had a high burnout level in at least one of the domains. 33.3% of oncologists exhibited high emotional exhaustion (EE) scores, 19.6% demonstrated low personal accomplishment (PA) scores, and 13.7% displayed high depersonalization (DP) scores. There was no statistically significant association between overall burnout level and any of the demographic or work characteristics. However, age was significantly associated with EE (p=0.03), while DP scores were significantly associated with the number of patients seen daily (p=0.028).

Conclusion:

Burnout is common among cancer professionals in Lebanon. Future research is needed to explore the problem in depth and suggest effective preventive approaches.

From Burnout to Resilience: An Update for Oncologists

Physician burnout remains a highly complex and topical issue. The negative impact of burnout on physicians, patients, and institutions has become increasingly apparent. Globally, a multitude of professional bodies and organizational leaders are giving this important subject much-deserved attention. In this review, we provide a summary of the latest evidence, with a focus on solutions and future strategies, while incorporating our own perspectives as practicing oncologists.

Professional burnout in European young oncologists: results of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Young Oncologists Committee Burnout Survey

Background

Burnout in health care professionals could have serious negative consequences on quality of patient care, professional satisfaction and personal life. Our aim was to investigate the burnout prevalence, work and lifestyle factors potentially affecting burnout amongst European oncologists ≤40 (YOs).

Methods

A survey was conducted using the validated Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and additional questions exploring work/lifestyle factors. Statistical analyses were carried out to identify factors associated with burnout.

Results

Total of 737 surveys (all ages) were collected from 41 European countries. Countries were divided into six regions. Results from 595 (81%) YOs were included (81% medical oncologists; 52% trainees, 62% women). Seventy-one percent of YOs showed evidence of burnout (burnout subdomains: depersonalization 50%; emotional exhaustion 45; low accomplishment 35%). Twenty-two percent requested support for burnout during training and 74% reported no hospital access to support services. Burnout rates were significantly different across Europe (P < 0.0001). Burnout was highest in central European (84%) and lowest in Northern Europe (52%). Depersonalization scores were higher in men compared with women (60% versus 45% P = 0.0001) and low accomplishment was highest in the 26-30 age group (P < 0.01). In multivariable linear regression analyses, European region, work/life balance, access to support services, living alone and inadequate vacation time remained independent burnout factors (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

This is the largest burnout survey in European Young Oncologists. Burnout is common amongst YOs and rates vary across Europe. Achieving a good work/life balance, access to support services and adequate vacation time may reduce burnout levels. Raising awareness, support and interventional research are needed.

Delivery of Global Cancer Care: An International Study of Medical Oncology Workload

Background

To our knowledge, there is no literature that has described medical oncology (MO) workload in the global context. Here, we report results of an international study of global MO workload.

Methods

An online survey was distributed through a snowball method via national oncology societies to chemotherapy-prescribing physicians in 65 countries. Countries were classified into low- or low-middle–income countries (LMICs), upper-middle–income countries (UMICs), and high-income countries (HICs) on the basis of World Bank criteria. Workload was measured as the annual number of new consultations provided to patients with cancer per oncologist.

Results

A total of 1,115 physicians completed the survey: 13% (147 of 1,115) from LMICs, 17% (186 of 1,115) from UMICs, and 70% (782 of 1,115) from HICs. Eighty percent (897 of 1,115) of respondents were medical oncologists, 10% (109 of 1,115) were clinical oncologists, and 10% (109 of 1,115) were other. The median number of annual consults per oncologist was 175 (interquartile range, 75 to 275); 13% (140 of 1,103) saw ≥ 500 new patients in a year. Annual case volume in LMICs (median consults, 425; 40% of respondents seeing > 500 consults) was substantially higher than in UMICs (median consults, 175; 14% > 500) and HICs (median consults, 175; 7% > 500; P < .001). Among LMICs, UMICs, and HICs, median working days per week were 6, 5, and 5, respectively (P < .001). The highest annual case volumes per oncologist were in Pakistan (median consults, 950; 73% > 500 consults), India (median consults, 475; 43% > 500), and Turkey (median consults, 475; 27% > 500).

Conclusion

There is substantial global variation in medical oncology case volumes and clinical workload; this is most striking among LMICs, where huge deficits exist. Additional work is needed, particularly detailed country-level mapping, to quantify activity-based global MO practice and workload to inform training needs and the design of new pathways and models of care.

"Burnout in Medical Oncology Fellows: a Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study in Brazilian Institutions"

Burnout syndrome is a common occurrence among oncologists. Doctors enrolled in residency programs in clinical oncology are exposed to similar risk factors; however, few data are available in this population. This study assessed the occurrence of burnout and associated factors among first-year residents at Brazilian institutions. The present prospective, multicenter, cohort study was conducted with doctors enrolled in residency programs in clinical oncology at Brazilian institutions affiliated with the public health system. The participants answered a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), Lipp's Stress Inventory, and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), upon admission to the program and 6 and 12 months later. Of 37 eligible residency programs in 2009, 11 (30.6 %) agreed to participate in the study. Fifty-four residents, representing 100 % of new admissions to the participating institutions, were included. Most of the participants met the criteria for severe burnout upon admission to the residency programs (emotional exhaustion in 49.0 % and depersonalization in 64.7 %). The scores on MBI domains emotional exhaustion and depersonalization increased significantly (p < 0.01) during the first year of residency, and the prevalence of burnout increased to 88 % at the end of that first year. The present study found a high prevalence of burnout among doctors enrolled in residency programs in clinical oncology at Brazilian institutions. A large fraction of the participants met the criteria for burnout syndrome upon admission to the program, which suggests that the problem began during the course of the previous residency program in internal medicine.

Estratégias de Enfrentamento Psicológico de Médicos Oncologistas Clínicos

Resumo Esta pesquisa objetivou caracterizar as estratégias de enfrentamento psicológico utilizadas por médicos oncologistas. Foram observados e entrevistados doze oncologistas clínicos, que atuavam no sul do país. A análise dos dados seguiu os princípios da Teoria Fundamentada nos Dados. Foram construídas seis categorias de análises e sua denominação teve como referência a teoria de enfrentamento psicológico: (a) Focalizada no problema; (b) Focalizada na emoção; (c) Religiosidade/Espiritualidade; (d) Suporte social; (e) Estratégia combinada; e (f) Autoavaliação de estratégias utilizadas. Os resultados apontam que os profissionais fazem uso de diversas estratégias de enfrentamento, evidenciando a necessidade de autorreflexão, apoio e suporte social, o que pode favorecer uma melhor adaptação às demandas, às exigências e ao reconhecimento de degaste emocional dessa especialidade profissional.

Burnout among physicians in palliative care: Impact of clinical settings

OBJECTIVE

Burnout syndrome is a work-related professional distress. Palliative care physicians often have to deal with complex end-of-life situations and are at risk of presenting with burnout syndrome, which has been little studied in this population. Our study aims to identify the impact of clinical settings (in a palliative care unit (PCU) or on a palliative care mobile team (PCMT)) on palliative care physicians.

METHOD

We undertook a cross-sectional study using a questionnaire that included the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), and we gathered sociodemographic and professional data. The questionnaire was sent to all 590 physicians working in palliative care in France between July of 2012 and February of 2013.

RESULTS

The response rate was 61, 8% after three reminders. Some 27 (9%) participants showed high emotional exhaustion, 12 (4%) suffered from a high degree of depersonalization, and 71 (18%) had feelings of low personal accomplishment. Physicians working on a PCMT tended (p = 0.051) to be more likely to suffer from emotional exhaustion than their colleagues. Physicians working on a PCMT worked on smaller teams (fewer physicians, p < 0.001; fewer nonphysicians, p < 0.001). They spent less time doing research (p = 0.019), had fewer resources (p = 0.004), and their expertise seemed to be underrecognized by their colleagues (p = 0.023).

SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS

The prevalence of burnout in palliative care physicians was low and in fact lower than that reported in other populations (e.g., oncologists). Working on a palliative care mobile team can be a more risky situation, associated with a lack of medical and paramedical staff.

Esgotamento entre profissionais da Atenção Primária à Saúde

O esgotamento profissional (EP) caracteriza-se por exaustão emocional, despersonalização, e baixa realização profissional, podendo ocorrer entre profissionais da saúde. Este artigo avalia o EP entre trabalhadores da Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) em três municípios de pequeno porte da Zona da Mata Mineira. O estudo analisa a associação por regressão logística entre EP, aspectos socioeconômicos, demográficos e aspectos do trabalho. Um total de 149 profissionais foi selecionado, destes, 107 responderam a todos os questionários. Para mensurar o EP, foi utilizado o Maslach Burnout Inventory(MBI) e, para a caracterização dos profissionais, foi utilizado outro questionário segundo três diferentes questões: aspectos individuais, sociodemográficos e área de cobertura da equipe. Foram classificados 101 profissionais com indicação positiva para EP. As variáveis presentes no modelo de regressão logística backward stepwise, associadas positivamente com indicativo de esgotamento profissional foram: possuir idade inferior à mediana da população (> 29,5 anos) e fazer uso de medicamentos "calmantes, tranquilizantes e remédios para dormir". Os resultados contribuem para identificar fatores associados com o esgotamento profissional e apontam, neste sentido, para a necessidade de investigações mais detalhadas.

The prevalence of burnout among oncology professionals: oncologists are at risk of developing burnout

OBJECTIVE

International research shows that oncology staff suffers more from burnout than other healthcare professionals. Burnout is common among oncologists. The prevalence of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment appears to be significantly higher among physicians. Detecting burnout is highly relevant, because it affects the personal well-being and quality of life of the healthcare professional. A national study on the prevalence of burnout in oncology was never conducted in Flanders (Dutch-speaking part of Belgium).

METHODS

The Cédric Hèle institute spread anonymous questionnaires among 923 healthcare workers in oncology (physicians, social workers, psychologists, nurses, and specialist-nurses) in Flanders. The questionnaire consisted of two parts. The first part contained questions concerning demographic and job features. The second part included the Dutch version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory.

RESULTS

Five hundred and fifty subjects participated in the survey (response rate of 59.5%). Of the medical oncologists, 51.2% suffered from emotional exhaustion, 31.8% from depersonalization, and 6.8% from a lack of personal accomplishment. Multivariate analysis of variance suggested a significantly elevated level of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization in oncologists compared with other professionals. Logistic regression indicated that the following variables have predictive value on risk of burnout: gender, profession, and combining work in a university hospital with work in a private hospital.

CONCLUSION

The CHi research showed a significantly increased level of burnout-components in professionals working in oncology, especially in medical oncologists. These results should have an impact on the daily clinic of oncology, and could be guidance for further research.

Procedures adopted by orthodontists for space closure and anchorage control

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify the procedures adopted by Brazilian orthodontists in the following situations: extraction space closure, anchorage control in case of necessary anchorage for group A and frequency of skeletal anchorage use, especially in the upper jaw.

METHODS

A questionnaire was sent to the e-mail address of all dentists registered in the Brazilian Federal Council of Dentistry.

RESULTS

The results showed that most Brazilian orthodontists usually perform extraction space closure by means of sliding mechanics. The use of palatal bar, inclusion of second molars in the archwire and space closure performed in two phases are the most used techniques for anchorage control in the upper jaw. The skeletal anchorage is referenced by 36.5% of specialists as a routine practice for the upper arch anchorage.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a wide variety of procedures adopted by Brazilian orthodontists for orthodontic space closure and anchorage control.

The "BUONGIORNO" project: burnout syndrome among young Italian radiation oncologists

Few data exist about the prevalence of burnout syndrome among young radiation oncologists. A national survey to assess its prevalence among junior members (under 40 yrs of age) of the Italian Society of Radiation Oncology was conducted. One hundred and twelve young radiation oncologists completed the questionnaire: the prevalence of burnout syndrome was 35%, and it was related to the presence of different personal, organizational, and work-related aspects, with an impact also on the private life (p<.005). Burnout syndrome is relatively common among young Italian radiation oncologists, and specific educational tools to help improve the management of workload and stress are needed.

Universality of physicians' burnout syndrome as a result of experiencing difficulty in relationship with patients

The aim of our work is to present the universality of burnout syndrome among physicians worldwide and to demonstrate selected aspects of the relationship between patients and doctors as a common factor predisposing to burnout. We looked up 20 original pieces of research from the Medline database published in the last 10 years to determine the prevalence of burnout among doctors in different countries. In all quoted works a remarkable percentage of doctors of interventional and non-interventional specialties suffered burnout. Because it is the relationship with patients that constitutes a key denominator for their work, in the discussion we have exposed an important aspect of it, destructive patient games, described on the basis of transactional analysis. Since universal burnout causes a deterioration of doctors' service, for the optimal good of the patient to survive preservation of the doctor's well-being in the patient-doctor relationship is needed everywhere.

Vulnerabilidade ao burnout entre médicos de hospital público do Recife

Identificou-se o burnout e fatores associados entre médicos de hospital público do Recife, Brasil, obtendo resposta de 158 profissionais (92,4% do total) para questionário autoaplicável (aspectos sociodemográficos, laborais e Maslach Burnout Inventory). Definiu-se burnout pela sobreposição de alta exaustão emocional (EE) e despersonalização (DP) e baixa realização profissional (RP). Aplicou-se qui-quadrado e teste exato de Fisher. Predominaram sexo feminino (83,5%) e tempo de profissão acima de 10 anos (81,6%). Constataram-se altos níveis de EE (61,4%) e DP (36,7%) e baixo nível de RP (13,3%), estando 5,1% com burnout. Mostraram associação: alto nível de EE e realizar "frequentemente/sempre" tarefas com muita rapidez e "nunca/às vezes" ter tempo suficiente; alto nível de DP e ter até dez anos de profissão e efetuar "frequentemente/sempre" tarefas com muita rapidez; baixo nível de RP e gênero feminino e "nunca/às vezes" ter tempo suficiente; burnout e executar "frequentemente/sempre" tarefas com muita rapidez, "nunca/às vezes" dispor de tempo suficiente, ser do gênero masculino e não ter expectativa de ascensão profissional. Para 37,3% duas das três dimensões indicavam alta propensão à síndrome. O burnout institui-se entre médicos, tornando premente a transformação das condições de trabalho.

Quality of life, physical and mental health of physicians: a self-evaluation by graduates from the Botucatu Medical School--UNESP

OBJECTIVE

This paper aimed to analyze self-evaluations in terms of quality of life (QoL), physical health (PH) and mental health (MH) of ex-medical students from a Brazilian public university, correlating these outcomes with demographic data and several professional aspects.

METHODS

a cross-sectional study with a target population of all students graduated from the Botucatu School of Medicine (UNIFESP--São Paulo State University) between 1968 and 2005. A self-administered questionnaire, which could be answered by regular mail or internet, was used.

RESULTS

From the 2,864 questionnaires that were sent by mail, 1,224 (45%) were answered and sent back. Good or very good QoL, PH and MH were reported by 67.8%, 78.8% and 84.5% of participants, respectively. In the final logistic regression model, positive QoL was associated with good PH and MH, regular attendance to scientific meetings, enough leisure time, and professional satisfaction. Good or very good PH was independently associated with positive QoL and MH, higher income level, regular physical activities, and never having smoked. Positive MH remained associated with professional satisfaction, enough leisure time, and positive evaluation of both QoL and PH.

CONCLUSIONS

Among medical doctors graduated from São Paulo State University, PH and MH were inseparable aspects, which were also related to the self-evaluation of QoL. Good habits, such as regular practice of physical exercise, enough leisure time, and not smoking were associated with positive health in general and should be encouraged. Professional satisfaction had an important impact on the emotional well-being of participants.

Sentimentos vivenciados pelos profissionais de enfermagem que atuam em unidade de emergência

OBJETIVO: conhecer o significado do trabalho em uma unidade de emergência para os profissionais de enfermagem. MÉTODO: tratou-se de pesquisa qualitativa com abordagem fenomenológica. A coleta de dados foi obtida por meio de 14 entrevistas com profissionais de enfermagem. RESULTADOS: os profissionais de enfermagem convivem com sentimentos díspares, como cansaço, esgotamento, angústia e revolta pela sobrecarga e limitações dos recursos frente às situações que envolvem risco de morte. CONCLUSÃO: apesar do estresse que esses profissionais enfrentam durante o cotidiano de trabalho, eles mantêm o compromisso de prestar uma assistência com qualidade e humanização, havendo tendência para exaustão emocional, desânimo e sentimentos de angústia, o que reafirma a importância da prevenção de saúde no ambiente de trabalho.

Burnout syndrome and common mental disorders among community-based health agents

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence of the burnout syndrome and of common mental disorders among community-based health agents, also identifying associated factors.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was carried out in 2006 with 141 community-based health agents who had been working for at least six months in primary care units in the city of São Paulo (Southeastern Brazil). The participants answered three questionnaires: one about sociodemographic, health- and work-related characteristics, the Self Reporting Questionnaire, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory, which allows the assessment of three dimensions of the burnout syndrome: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and reduced personal accomplishment. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine associations between variables.

RESULTS

Overall, 24.1% of the interviewees presented burnout syndrome. Moderate or high levels of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and reduced personal accomplishment were observed in 70.9%, 34.0% and 47.5% of the participants, respectively. The prevalence of common mental disorders was 43.3%. Positive correlations between the three dimensions of burnout, were observed. Presence of common mental disorder was independently associated with higher levels of emotional exhaustion and reduced personal accomplishment.

CONCLUSIONS

The high frequency of intense levels of burnout and the high prevalence of common mental disorders among community-based health agents point to the need of intervention strategies in these individuals' daily lives and of further studies to better understand the actual picture and the determinants of burnout.

Recent trends in Brazilian medical research. An overview

This article reviews 69 original research articles published in 6 Brazilian Medical Journals recently incorporated into the Institute for Scientific Information Journal of Citation Reports, with a view of making them comprehensively available to the readership of CLINICS within a subject category division. We expect this review to increase the visibility of a wide specter of original Brazilian research which may otherwise remain relatively unseen by the interested readership.

Burnout in cancer professionals: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Burnout syndrome is typified by three dimensions: emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP) and low personal accomplishment (PS), and is prevalent among cancer care providers. The objective is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that evaluated the presence of burnout syndrome in professionals dedicated to the care of cancer patients. A search was conducted of the MEDLINE, LILACS and COCHRANE databases. Articles were selected that had used the Maslach questionnaire to assess burnout syndrome prevalence, had evaluated at least 35 subjects (including physicians), had at least a 20% questionnaire response rate, and that were published in English, Spanish or Portuguese. Ten studies (2375 participants) were included in this analysis. Severe involvement by any one of the three dimensions ranged from 8% to 51%. The overall prevalence of EE was found to be 36% [95% confidence interval (CI) (31-41)], while for DP this was 34% [95% CI (30-39)] and for PS 25% [95% CI (0.16-34)], demonstrating considerable heterogeneity across studies. The prevalence of burnout syndrome is elevated among cancer professionals throughout the world but varies substantially among studies. Further research is needed to better understand and prevent this syndrome.