Factors influencing burnout as perceived by resident physicians in a Jordanian tertiary hospital: a qualitative descriptive study

Purpose Burnout is a common problem among resident physicians. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of resident physicians working in a Jordanian tertiary hospital and to identify the factors they believe contribute to burnout. Design/methodology/approach This was a qualitative descriptive study in a Jordanian tertiary hospital. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with residents identified in the Maslach Burnout survey as experiencing burnout. Quantitative and qualitative data analysis were performed using SPSS and thematic analysis, respectively. Findings The study interviewed 19 out of 23 residents who met the criteria for burnout. Five main themes and several subthemes emerged from the interviews. These themes were (1) personal and social factors, (2) workplace-related factors, (3) organizational factors, (4) patient-related factors, (5) academic factors. Originality/value Factors associated with burnout in residents can fall into one of several categories related to either themselves or the environment within which they work. Understanding the complexity of these factors and their relationships may assist health service managers in reducing burnout in junior medical staff.