Physician burnout: a pilot study

This study assesses the level of burnout in a sample of New Zealand physicians, associated work and personal characteristics, and the need for development of a peer supervision or support system. Questionnaires that measured a number of work and personal characteristics, including the Maslach Burnout Inventory, and additional questions regarding mistakes, and need for support, were sent to 83 physicians in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty areas. Of the 50 respondents, 28% experienced high levels of two or three of the three aspects of burnout (emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, low personal accomplishment). Emotional exhaustion correlated with a greater need for support. Most respondents favoured a one-to-one support system. This study highlights the need for a nationwide survey of physicians to measure levels of burnout with a view to developing a preventative support system.