Prevalence of burnout, depression and job satisfaction among French senior and resident radiation oncologists

Purpose: Cancer caregivers are at high risk of burn-out, with potential severe consequences on professionals’ health and on patients’ care. We have investigated the prevalence of burn-out and its impact in terms of psychological morbidity among French radiation oncologists. Methods and materials: An anonymous online questionnaire was advertised in all French senior radiation oncologists and residents, including demographical data, job-related stress factors, drug use, the Maslach Burn-out Inventory (MBI) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Results: The response rates were 37% (76 out of 204) for radiation oncologists and 22% (166 out of 751) for residents. Sixty-four (84%) radiation oncology residents and 104 (63%) radiation oncologists met criteria for moderate/severe burn-out (odd ratio 2.1 [95% confidence interval 1.0–4.8], P = 0.03). Radiation oncology residents were more prone to depersonalization (P < 0.001) and lower personal accomplishment (P < 0.001). Burn-out was more frequent in radiation oncologists working for public facilities. Symptoms of depression (GHQ-12 ≥ 4) were reported by 42% of residents and 36% of radiation oncologists (P = 0.40). Psychological morbidity, suicidal ideation and anxiolytic consumption were more frequent in burnt out responders. Conclusion: Our figures are in the highest range of published data. Active screening and prevention of burn-out should be implemented and particularly aimed at radiation oncology residents.