Understanding Burnout among Surgical residents: a mixed method study

Burnout is a complex condition that can strangely affect individuals in healthcare professions, such as surgeons and surgical residents. This study aimed to assess burnout and better explain the concept of burnout in surgical residents and the clarification strategies they take with this phenomenon to solve this problem. This mixed methods study was conducted at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in 2022-2023 with two quantitative and qualitative phases. The statistical population included 114 surgical residents. The census sampling method was used in the quantitative and purposefully in the qualitative phases. The tool of the study was a 22-item Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey questionnaire. Results showed that 27.27% of the residents had no academic burnout, but most 62.73% experienced a moderate level of academic burnout; also, 10% were in mild and severe burnout levels. In the qualitative phase of the study, 1047 codes were extracted after data analysis. The results showed three themes (and nine sub-themes) that emerged from the data analysis: A) Experienced burnout, B) Coping strategies, and C) Proposed strategies to reduce academic burnout. There was a remarkable incidence of burnout in surgical residents, which was higher than predicted. Although academic burnout is not the only factor affecting the residents ' academic decline, it is one of the most essential and significant factors that threaten residents' motivation and academic performance. The evidence from the current research shows that educational managers and stakeholders should examine the consequences of academic burnout in residents to solve their problems in the current situation through some interventions.