Work satisfaction, stress and burnout in New Zealand ophthalmologists: a comparison of public hospital and private practice.

Abstract

Aim: In New Zealand, ophthalmologists encounter varying degrees of work stress, job satisfaction and burnout. Significant clinical demands, long work hours and high-pressure responsibilities increase the likelihood of burnout in this specialty. The present study aims to examine differences in ophthalmologists' work stress, job satisfaction and burnout across public hospital and private practice settings.

Method: A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted using a modified Mini Z 2.0 Burnout Survey to assess workplace satisfaction, stress and burnout among 171 New Zealand ophthalmologists. Demographic and practice-related data were also collected.

Results: Out of 161 delivered surveys, 84 responses were received (52% response rate). Among respondents, 84.5% had public sector roles and 81% worked in the private sector. Twenty-one percent of public sector ophthalmologists reported a joyous workplace (Mini Z score ≥30) compared with 75% in the private sector. Public sector clinicians reported significantly higher burnout symptoms, stress levels and workplace disorder, as well as poorer workload control and misalignment with leadership, compared with their private sector counterparts.

Conclusion: The study highlights substantial disparities in job satisfaction and burnout between ophthalmologists working in the public and private sector. Factors such as excessive workload, bureaucratic inefficiencies and limited resource allocation in the public sector contribute to these differences. Adoption of private sector practices, including improved administrative support and autonomy, as well as public-private partnerships, may enhance retention and wellbeing in the public system.