Stressors and Preventive Factors Associated with Burnout in Embryologists Working in assisted reproduction: Data from a Cross-Sectional Worldwide Study.

Abstract

Objectives: Recent studies of assisted reproduction (AR) teams have shown that embryologists experience the highest levels of burnout among team members. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the stressors experienced by embryologists and the preventive and mitigating strategies they consider useful.

Methods: This cross-sectional study used a worldwide online survey to assess workplace stressors and preventive and mitigating strategies associated with burnout among 759 respondents. Comparisons were made among embryologists working in Europe, Latin America, North America, and the Western Pacific region.

Results: More than 90% of embryologists in the four regions identified stressors inherent to the profession, as well as organizational and relational stressors. European and North American embryologists reported significantly more environmental and physical stressors than those in the Western Pacific region. Physical, organizational, and relational preventive and mitigating strategies were considered the most useful, with many endorsed by more than 90% of embryologists. Latin American embryologists considered psychological strategies significantly more appropriate and useful than did embryologists in other regions.

Conclusions: This study identified the stressors that most affect embryologists worldwide and the strategies they consider useful for addressing burnout. Future interventions should incorporate these strategies to reduce or eliminate the identified stressors, improve working conditions, and positively influence the mental health of these professionals.