The “pronounced prevalence” of burnout among radiologists underlines an “urgent, unmet need” for intervention, according to new data released Monday.
Across 172 recently surveyed members of the specialty, nearly 77% demonstrated signs of burnout. The prevalence was significantly associated with increased workload, poor sleep quality, suboptimal working conditions, reduced job satisfaction, and the “negative interplay between work, family life and health.”
Two German radiological societies conducted the survey between May and August, publishing the results in European Radiology [1].
“The pronounced prevalence of burnout among German radiologists demonstrates an urgent, unmet need for comprehensive interventions and systemic changes,” Moritz B. Bastian, with the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology at University Hospital Marburg, and co-authors wrote Feb. 12. “Our findings act as a catalyst for initiating targeted, multifaceted strategies and dialogues, essential for fostering a resilient and effective healthcare ecosystem. Further large-scale systematic studies should follow to analyze the findings in broad.”
The 73-question survey covered all aspects employment, workload, well-being and coping mechanisms. Across all responses, median work satisfaction was described as “satisfied,” while median workload was deemed “frequently overwhelming.” Nearly 42% of those surveyed said they faced daily time pressures, and 70% shared concerns that work was interfering with private family life. Another 73% also said they believe the job is having a negative impact on their health, the authors reported.
Bastian and colleagues urged the specialty to devise interventions that help alleviate excessive workloads, improve working conditions and boost physicians’ spirits.
“The complex correlations between professional challenges and personal well-being emphasize a need for a holistic approach in addressing burnout,” the study concluded. “The insights gained from this study not only contribute to the growing body of knowledge on this issue but should also further sensitize the radiological medical community, policymakers, and healthcare institutions. The aim should be to create collaborative paths in alleviating the impacts of burnout, fostering a more resilient, effective, and passionate healthcare landscape for radiologists.”
Medscape also recently released its 2024 Physician Burnout & Depression Report, which found that about 51% of radiologists are experiencing burnout. A total of 9,226 U.S. physicians across 29 specialties responded to the survey, including nearly 300 radiologists.
Marty Stempniak has covered healthcare since 2012, with his byline appearing in the American Hospital Association's member magazine, Modern Healthcare and McKnight's. Prior to that, he wrote about village government and local business for his hometown newspaper in Oak Park, Illinois. He won a Peter Lisagor and Gold EXCEL awards in 2017 for his coverage of the opioid epidemic.