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Authors: Amani El Khalifa , Sudeshna Byng , Ayesha Almemari

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Abstract

Background: Burnout among health-care workers have become a notable global health and safety challenge. This phenomenon reflects mental and physical burden on healthcare staff. The Maslach Burnout Inventory tool is a structured and validated tool that has been used to objectively assess burnout. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of burnout among physicians working in Mafraq Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and to understand the possible underlying factors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted incorporating the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey for Medical Personnel tool. A questionnaire was sent via an anonymous e-mail to all physicians at Mafraq Hospital. Participating physicians were categorized as part of a 5-class profile continuum ranging from "engaged" to "burnout". Results: Burnout prevalence among Mafraq physicians was 11.24% (19 of the 169). The rate of burnout was higher among resident physicians (17%) than non-resident physicians (8.5%). Majority of physicians were "overextended" (55 of 169; 32.5%). Mafraq physicians were noted to be more emotionally exhausted than the healthcare worker comparison group provided by Mind Gardens. It was also found that males, young participants, unmarried, and smokers had a higher rate of burnout. Conclusion: The burnout among Mafraq physicians using the person centered five burnout profiles model was analyzed which helped in mapping out employee from burnout to engaged. A prevalence of 1 in 10 Mafraq physicians for burnout was determined. A strategy to proactively prevent burnout among physicians and healthcare workers in UAE is needed at an organizational level.

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Keywords: Burnout, Fatigue, Maslach Burnout Inventory, Patient safety, Physicians, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Survey

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