Burnout in district hospital doctors in a rural area in the Western Cape

[摘要] ENGLISH SUMMARY : Aim: Burnout amongst doctors negatively effects recruitment and retention, effectiveness and efficiency of health systems, and ultimately, patient-care. The aim of this study is to fill the gap in published data concerning burnout among primary care district hospital doctors practicing in one rural area in South Africa.Methods: A validated questionnaire (Maslach Burnout Inventory) was sent to 42 doctors in 7 district hospitals in early 2013.Results: Response rate was 85.7%. Clinically significant burnout was found in 81% of respondents. Family physicians had significantly lower burnout levels than non-specialist colleagues (p=0.01).Conclusion: This study demonstrates high burnout rates, most importantly threatening the quality of patient care. Recommendations are made.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University