A Systematic Review on Burnout Among Radiology Physicians: A Call to Action

Purpose: The radiology department is not immune to the burnout epidemic. Emerging literature worldwide is highlighting an insurmountable wave of burnout amongst radiologists. Rising imaging volume, diminishing reimbursements, work environment and isolation, poor communication with appreciation and recognition, loss of professional autonomy, and shortages in the radiology workforce, all contribute to an evident domino effect with burnout. Hence, we performed a systematic review to provide an overview of studies reporting the prevalence of burnout syndrome in physicians inside the radiology department.

Methods/Materials: We searched literature for studies exploring prevalence of burnout in radiologist. The search strategies were created using a combination of keywords and standardized index terms. Searches were run from inception until November 13th, 2022, in MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, ERIC, PsycINFO, and psycARTICLES. We included studies that reported prevalence of burnout or any of its 3 three subdimensions according to Maslach Burnout Inventory: emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and diminished personal accomplishment (PA).

Results: Twenty-two cross-sectional studies involving 4230 radiology physicians in 7 countries reported prevalence of burnout. There was significant variability in burnout prevalence estimates ranging between 33%-88% and 5%-62% for overall burnout and high burnout, respectively. For burnout subcomponents. EE and DP prevalence estimates were reported by 16 studies and ranged from 11%-100% and 4%-97%, while 15 studies (68.2%) reported low PA prevalence with values ranging from 14.7%-84%.

Conclusions: Burnout has become a global danger to radiology practice's long-term existence. The significant variation in instruments employed and burnout criteria among the evaluated studies made it difficult to adequately interpret and compare the diverse prevalence estimates for burnout and its subcomponents. Radiology leaders must recognize burnout in the department by developing a consistent definition of burnout and standardized evaluation methodologies, and start addressing it appropriately.