Compassion fatigue, burnout, and compassion satisfaction in US pediatric surgeons
Topic overview
Survey of APSA members reveals 22-24% prevalence of compassion fatigue and burnout among pediatric surgeons, with rates similar to other pediatric subspecialists. Key risk factors include solo practice, high operative volume, and workplace distress, while protective factors include partner support and peer communication.
Key takeaways
- One in four pediatric surgeons experience compassion fatigue or burnout, similar to other pediatric subspecialists.
- Solo practice, ≥5 OR days/week, and keeping lawsuits confidential significantly increase risk of compassion fatigue and burnout.
- Talking with a life partner about work-related distress is protective against compassion fatigue.
- Compassion satisfaction inversely correlates with burnout—surgeons who find meaning in their work experience less burnout.
- Local physician peer support channels may be effective interventions to reduce compassion fatigue and burnout.
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