The investigation of frequency the burnout syndrome in pulmonologists in Turkey

Background: The burnout syndrome is defined as "a syndrome which is seen in people who are forced to work face-to-face with other people and experience strong negative emotional reactions, leading to adversities in their relationships with other people and causes chronic fatigue, helplessness, hopelessness and loss of self-respect characterized by physical emotional and intellectual exhaustion." The aim of this study is to investigate the burnout syndrome and to determine the factors affecting the burnout syndrome in chest physicians. Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, chest physicians were reached via e-mail, telephone, text message between september and november 2016. Informed consent forms and questionnaire forms consisting of socio-demographic data form and maslach burnout inventory were delivered. Also, accessible hospitals were visited. Printed questionnaires were distributed to pulmonologist. Results; Including 105 (29.8%) research assistants, 148 (42.0%) specialist and 99 (28.1%) assistant professors, in total 352 people participated in the study. 238 of physicians (67.6%) were female. The mean age was 38.93 (±9.97). The highest burnout levels were found in the assistants and specialist (p<0.001). The lowest burnout scores were in physicians working in private health centers (p<0.001). There was a positive correlation between emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, lack of personal accomplishment and total number of night shift, there was a negative correlation with age (p<0.001). Emotional exhaustion and depersonalization were lower in those who thought that salary was sufficient (p<0.05). Among 296 pulmonologists, who chose the field of specialty willingly, 50.3% noted that they would not prefer the same field if they could have another right of choice today. Of all respondents, 83.5% stated that they don't have enough time for themselves or their families. Conclusion; In this research, the burnout syndrome was investigated in pulmonologists, the levels of burnout in pulmonologists were significantly higher than in previous surveys. Perhaps the real solution will be to reconsider and revise the health system and the working conditions in a structure that respects human dignity and the right to life by the related units with the issue equally gathering around a table. Key words: Burnout syndrome, pulmonary disease, emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, lack of personal accomplishment.