The prevalence of burnout in general practice

Dr Linda Calabresi

writer

Dr Linda Calabresi

GP; Medical Editor, Healthed

Dr Linda Calabresi

 

GP numbers appear set to fall, not only because fewer doctors are opting to take up the specialty training but also, it seems, burnout is likely to take its toll on those already practising.

According to a recent Healthed survey of over 600 practising GPs, almost half (45%) admitted to feeling burned out by their work at least once a week. In fact, about one in 9 GPs (10.7%) said they felt burned out at least a once a day. Previous research has linked professional burnout to mental illness, inability to work and even addiction and suicide.

While the survey didn’t investigate the possible causes these current feelings of burnout among doctors, it would be reasonable to assume the added pressures related to the COVID pandemic were, at least, a contributing factor. However, it certainly wasn’t simply related to excess lockdown restrictions as there wasn’t a wide variation in burnout prevalence between the states which, as we know, had varying restrictions imposed to curb the virus.

For instance, while 86.8% of poor Victorian GPs surveyed reported some degree of burnout, the prevalence of burnout among GPs from Queensland wasn’t that much lower at 84%, despite having a lot more freedoms than their southern colleagues.

Whatever the cause, the high rate of burnout among GPs certainly doesn’t paint a promising picture for the future general practice workforce.

And as for practice nurses, the survey findings suggest the situation is even worse. While the number of practice nurses surveyed was much smaller than the GP cohort, the prevalence of burnout was significantly higher. Almost 60% of practice nurses (58.14%) reported feelings of burnout at least once a week, and overall 87.21% reported some degree of burnout.

Quite confronting statistics aren’t they?

Such high rates of burnout are bound to have consequences, not only for the individuals concerned but also for the profession as a whole. One has to hope that increased awareness that burnout is an issue will lead to greater commitment to finding a solution – for all our sakes.

Icon 2

NEXT LIVE Webcast

:
Days
:
Hours
:
Minutes
Seconds
Dr Sushil Pant

Dr Sushil Pant

Acutely Painful Shoulder – Assessment and Management in GP

Dr Richard Phoon

Dr Richard Phoon

Chronic Kidney Disease – Delay Progression and Prevent Dialysis

Prof Rodney Baber AM

Prof Rodney Baber AM

Understand & Explain the Risks & Side Effects of MHT

Prof Peter Richmond

Prof Peter Richmond

Invasive Pneumococcal Disease – What GPs Need to Know

Join us for the next free webcast for GPs and healthcare professionals

High quality lectures delivered by leading independent experts

Share this

Share this

Dr Linda Calabresi

writer

Dr Linda Calabresi

GP; Medical Editor, Healthed

Test your knowledge

Recent articles

Latest GP poll

In your perception, how has Donald Trump's election to the US and related political discourse in the media concerning vaccine safety impact on your patients' willingness to follow Australian government recommended vaccinations?

Very negative impact

0%

Somewhat negative impact

0%

No noticeable impact

0%

Somewhat positive impact

0%

Very positive impact

0%

Find your area of interest

Once you confirm you’ve read this article you can complete a Patient Case Review to earn 0.5 hours CPD in the Reviewing Performance (RP) category.

Select ‘Confirm & learn‘ when you have read this article in its entirety and you will be taken to begin your Patient Case Review.

Upcoming Healthed Webcast

Tuesday 14th October, 7pm - 9pm AEDT

Speaker

Dr Sushil Pant

Orthopaedic Surgeon; Sydney Sports Medicine Centre

We invite you to our next free webcast, where Dr Sushil Pant will present on acutely painful shoulder. Up to 4 hours CPD. RACGP & ACRRM accredited.