Exploring Practice Diversity as a Prevention Strategy for Burnout: A Survey of Family Physicians

Abstract Background: Physician burnout is a longstanding issue which has only intensified as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier studies indicate that individuals in frontline specialties, such as family medicine, may be more susceptible to burnout, and interventions have primarily targeted reduced workloads and physician autonomy. However, we sought to explore work-life balance in relation to burnout prevention. We theorized that family physicians who participated in multiple clinical roles (e.g., outpatient practice, emergency) and included non-clinical roles (e.g., teaching, administration) within their practice would report lower burnout scores compared to family physicians with singular roles. METHODS: We utilized a cross-sectional survey, incorporating two validated burnout measures (Maslach Burnout Inventory and MiniZ-2.0), and compared burnout scores to family physician’s self reported number of and hours dedicated to both clinical and non-clinical roles. We surveyed family physicians in Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia. RESULTS: Descriptive analysis suggested that as clinical and non-clinical roles increase, burnout scores decline. Correlational analysis showed that as non-clinical roles increase, emotional exhaustion scores decrease. Similarly, as non-clinical hours increase, family physicians reported a more joyful and manageable workplace. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings lend credence to the notion that the meaning in work, rather than the quantity of work, may be a driving factor in burnout. Thus, physicians should continue to diversify their practice with meaningful clinical and non-clinical activities to help prevent burnout.