Levels of burnout in UK general practice are high, suggests a study of GPs in Essex.
Over 500 GPs were assessed for burnout measuring their levels of emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation – expressed as negativity and cynicism, and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment.
Male doctors, those who work in group practices, and those who repeatedly see the same patients seem to be at significantly greater risk, the research shows.
Almost one in two of the respondents (46%) fitted the criteria for emotional exhaustion, while more than four out of ten (42%) were depersonalised. One in three (34%) felt they were not achieving a great deal.
The report said the figures imply that “a significant group of doctors is in trouble”.
According to the findings, GPs who work in group practices reported significantly higher burnout scores than those working in singlehanded practices.
The report’s authors described the results as “disappointing” as group practices were expected to provide more support to GPs.
The finding could be the result of group practice creating extra demands on practitioners while raising the possibility of interpersonal tensions and conflicts. Regardless of cause, these findings are worrying as group practices are increasing in size and number,” the report said.
The results also found that male doctors were significantly more likely to be depersonalised than women doctors, as were those who qualified less than 20 years ago, compared to those who had been qualified for longer.
The report suggests that the gender differences may be explained by a larger number of women doctors working part time or women doctors being more patient-centred than their male colleagues, which may boost professional satisfaction.
GPs who repeatedly see the same patients were also found to be more likely to be depersonalised.
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