Investigating Burnout Across Neurosurgery Careers Through the Maslach Burnout Inventory

Introduction: The long path towards a career in neurosurgery has led to increasing questions regarding attrition rates and burnout levels in the field. Previous studies of burnout in general surgery residents utilized the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). We aimed to validate this tool for assessing neurosurgeon burnout and identifying contributory factors.

Methods: A survey was distributed to program coordinators and directors by CH for dispersal to their residents and faculty. The survey was also sent to a list of emails that were compiled from online websites and program profiles. Respondents answered questions about demographics and completed the MBI.

Results: Eighty-three percent of residents were between ages 25 and 34, while the remaining 17% were between ages 35 and 44. For faculty, 64% were between ages 35 and 44. The remaining 36% were ages 45 and up. The gender ratio of the residents was also split with 50% male and 50% female, but the faculty respondents included 86% males and 14% females. Two-thirds of neurosurgery residents reported feeling burnt out sometimes or often. For faculty, 64%. One-third of the residents had suicidal ideation and 42% thought about attrition sometimes or often. This could be a product of residents reporting that they sometimes or often were dissatisfied with rest (83%), had to violate duty hours (58%), dealt with bullying (58%), and felt they had inadequate educational time (58%). Zero faculty reported suicidal ideation and 7% reported thoughts of attrition. However, 43% violated duty hours and 50% were dissatisfied with rest. Promisingly, 75% of residents felt their program responded to their concerns and took their wellness seriously (83%) sometimes or often.

Conclusion : Neurosurgeon burnout places a significant burden on provider wellness, however it can manifest differently for residents and faculty. The MBI effectively estimates the rate of burnout among neurosurgeons and identifies contributing factors.