437P - The prevalence of burnout among medical oncology fellows-in-training in the Philippines: A cross-sectional study

Background

Physician burnout negatively affects patient care, incurs added costs, and compromises the physician’s own safety. In the field of Medical Oncology, the demands entailed in caring for cancer patients combined with broader pressures on the healthcare system may present significant challenges for both physicians and nurses, including the risk for burnout. This study aims to determine the prevalence of burnout among Medical Oncology fellows-in-training in the Philippines, as well as identify which of the domains of burnout are commonly experienced by the fellows-in-training.

Methods

This is a descriptive cross-sectional study evaluating the prevalence of burnout among Medical Oncology fellows-in-training using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI).

Results

Out of 70 Medical Oncology fellows-in-training, 50 participated in the survey. Most of the fellows-in-training were experiencing some degree of burnout during the conduct of the study. Fifty four percent (27) felt a high level of emotional exhaustion, while 38% (19) and 42% (21) felt a moderate level of burnout in the depersonalization and personal accomplishment domains respectively. Overall, 94% of respondents had a moderate to high level of burnout.

Conclusions

Physician burnout remains to be a considerable problem among Medical Oncology fellows-in-training in the Philippines. Majority of respondents experienced a moderate to high level of burnout, most commonly in the emotional exhaustion domain. Vacation leaves, recreational and wellness activities, and decreased work hours are some of the interventions cited to help reduce physician burnout.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

The authors.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.