Vasquez TS, Close J, Bylund CL. Skills-Based Programs Used to Reduce Physician Burnout in Graduate Medical Education: A Systematic Review.
J Grad Med Educ 2021;
13:471-489. [PMID:
34434508 PMCID:
PMC8370364 DOI:
10.4300/jgme-d-20-01433.1]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Physician burnout is pervasive within graduate medical education (GME), yet programs designed to reduce it have not been systematically evaluated. Effective approaches to burnout, aimed at addressing the impact of prolonged stress, may differ from those needed to improve wellness.
OBJECTIVE
We systematically reviewed the literature of existing educational programs aimed to reduce burnout in GME.
METHODS
Following the PRISMA guidelines, we identified peer-reviewed publications on GME burnout reduction programs through October 2019. Titles and abstracts were reviewed for relevance, and full-text studies were acquired for analysis. Article quality was assessed using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument (MERSQI).
RESULTS
A total of 3534 articles met the search criteria, and 24 studies were included in the final analysis. Article quality varied, with MERSQI assessment scores varying between 8.5 and 14. Evaluation was based on participant scores on burnout reduction scales. Eleven produced significant results pertaining to burnout, 10 of which yielded a decrease in burnout. Curricula to reduce burnout among GME trainees varies. Content taught most frequently included stress management (n = 8), burnout reduction (n = 7), resilience (n = 7), and general wellness (n = 7). The most frequent pedagogical methods were discussion groups (n = 14), didactic sessions (n = 13), and small groups (n = 11). Most programs occurred during residents' protected education time.
CONCLUSIONS
There is not a consistent pattern of successful or unsuccessful programs. Further randomized controlled trials within GME are necessary to draw conclusions on which components most effectively reduce burnout.
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