Burnout in Australian sport and exercise physicians and registrars: A cross-sectional study

Objectives

To determine the prevalence and factors associated with the risk of burnout among sport and exercise physicians and registrars in Australia.

Design

Cross-Sectional Study.

Method

Australian based sport and exercise physicians and registrars of the Australasian college of sport and exercise physicians were invited to complete a survey. Demographic data and response to a questionnaire utilising the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) tool were collected. Descriptive analysis was conducted to assess the prevalence of burnout. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine factors associated with the risk of burnout whilst adjusting for covariates.

Results

25 registrars (25/52 ​= ​48%) and 31 physicians (31/172 ​= ​18%) completed the survey. The risk of overall burnout in all three MBI parameters or in at least one parameter was 25% and 34%, respectively. Findings of the primary analysis showed that higher working hours (AOR 50.59; 95% CI 1.81–141.33; p ​= ​0.021) and higher level of job dissatisfaction (AOR 262.68; 95% CI 4.98–13857.50; p ​= ​0.006) were associated with increased odds of burnout.

Conclusions

Burnout poses a significant risk to sport and exercise physicians and registrars in Australia. The small size of this specialty group and unique nature of their work requires specific interventions to reduce risks of burnout.