Assessment of Burnout amongst Oncologists Located in a Canadian Province: A Cross-Sectional Survey Analysis.

Abstract

Burnout is a stress-induced occupational syndrome recognized by the World Health Organization, characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. It remains highly prevalent among healthcare professionals, particularly oncologists facing heavy workloads and emotionally demanding care. To assess burnout prevalence among oncologists in Alberta, Canada, and identify factors associated with increased risk. This cross-sectional survey study included physicians from multiple oncology-related specialties. Anonymous questionnaires collected demographic and occupational data alongside the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Burnout domains were categorized as low, intermediate, or high using standardized criteria. Descriptive statistics, chi-square/Fisher exact tests, and logistic regression analyses were performed, with significance set at P < 0.05. Ninety-one physicians completed the survey. Most were over 40 years old (65.9%), female (47.3%), white (57.1%), in a relationship (85.7%), working in academic settings (52.7%), or in radiation oncology (48.4%). Fifty participants (54.9%) reported personal burnout, while 90.1% believed colleagues experienced burnout. Moderate-to-high emotional exhaustion was reported by 73.6%, moderate-to-high depersonalization was reported by 62.6%, and 37.36% reported low personal accomplishment. Seeing more than 30 patients weekly was significantly associated with greater emotional exhaustion and lower personal accomplishment. Male gender and not living alone were associated with higher personal accomplishment, while no variables were linked to depersonalization. Burnout rates among Alberta oncologists were high. Higher patient volumes, non-male gender, and living alone were associated with worse outcomes, highlighting the need for meaningful workplace support systems.