A uniform approach to reporting GP burnout is needed, according to the authors of the first systematic review into the subject, published today.

Researchers, led by Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, conducted analysis on the prevalence of GP burnout documented in studies, with the aim of establishing the burden GP burnout imposes on the healthcare system. On average, studies found that 16% of GPs suffer from emotional exhaustion.

Writing in the latest edition of the British Journal of General Practice, they say their findings could benefit policymakers, healthcare institutions, clinicians, researchers, and the public to develop interventions to address the syndrome. They add this is particularly important as the world emerges from a COVID-19 environment, which has placed greater burdens on GPs. Their analysis focused only on general practice and included a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on the prevalence of GP burnout worldwide.

The team used only studies that reported prevalence estimates on GP burnout in general practice using the Maslach Burnout Inventory — Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) and 60 studies were included, of which 31 met the criteria for high quality studies. Out of the 31 studies, 23 (74.2%) reported the number of GPs that had high or moderate burnout along with at least one of the identified burnout subcomponents of emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, and personal accomplishment, and overall burnout. Eighteen (58.1%) reported mean and standard deviation estimates for at least one of the burnout subcomponents.

Wide-ranging prevalence estimates of 6% to 33% across different dimensions of burnout were reported for 22,177 GPs across 29 countries were reported for 60 studies included in this review. Mean burnout estimates were: 16.43 for emotional exhaustion; 6.74 for depersonalisation; and 29.28 for personal accomplishment.

The research team said country-specific factors may be important determinants of the variation in GP burnout estimates. While they noted moderate-to-high GP burnout exists worldwide, as well as considerable heterogeneity in the prevalence of GP burnout, they write that GPs may characterise burnout differently, according to their workplace context. They say this different approach makes it more difficult to develop a uniform approach, but add that burnout should be characterised, operationalised, and treated according to the workplace context.