The association between burnout and medical professionalism in medical trainees: a systematic review

Burnout can be defined as a serious work-related syndrome characterized by depersonalization, emotional exhaustion, and reduced personal accomplishment, particularly among healthcare practitioners such as medical students. It can adversely affect academic performance and compromise vital professional values, including altruism, honesty, and empathy. While some studies have suggested that there is no connection between burnout and professional behavior, other studies have highlighted this relationship. This systematic review seeks to clarify the link between burnout and professionalism. A comprehensive search was performed across PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase to identify studies examining the association between burnout and professionalism among medical students and residents. The inclusion criteria required studies to use validated measures, including the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Two authors screened and extracted data from eligible studies, resolving disagreements through a third reviewer. The quality of the studies was examined through the risk of bias tool named the Cochrane Collaboration. A total of twenty-nine studies were analyzed, comprising approximately 14,974 participants, which included 4,242 medical students and 10,732 residents. The majority of the studies reported a negative correlation. Additionally, most studies reported negative correlations between burnout and professionalism, patient care practices, and medical knowledge, whereas some reported negative correlations with lifelong learning and communication skills. The association between burnout and professionalism among medical trainees is complex and has considerable implications for patient care, trainee well-being, and medical education. Increased levels of burnout can lead to a decline in empathy and professionalism, resulting in a cycle of emotional exhaustion and disengagement. To address this challenge effectively, a holistic approach is essential, encompassing mental health resources, professional training, and systemic modifications aimed at fostering supportive environments.