• Cecilie M Møller, Thomas Clausen, Birgit Aust, Jacob W Budtz-Lilly, and Jonas P Eiberg.
• From the Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark (Møller, Budtz-Lilly).
• J. Am. Coll. Surg. 2023 Dec 1; 237 (6): 874883874-883.

BackgroundBurnout among physicians has widespread negative consequences. Little is known about burnout among European vascular surgeons (VS). A previously published study found that 82% of VS and vascular surgical trainees (VST) in Denmark experience burnout symptoms. The present study aimed to investigate work- and health-related consequences of burnout.Study DesignAn electronic survey was distributed to all VS/VST in Denmark in January 2020. Validated assessment tools were used to measure burnout, mental health, and psychosocial work environment aspects.ResultsOf 104 invited VS/VST, 82% (n = 85) completed the survey. VS accounted for 72% (n = 61) of the respondents, and 40% (n = 33) were female. Statistically significant associations were found between higher levels of burnout and a range of work- and health-related outcomes, including a sense of meaning at work, workplace commitment, conflicts between work and private life, work stress, sick leave, and depressive symptoms. VS/VST using pain medication daily or weekly had significantly higher burnout scores than respondents who rarely or never use pain medication. A significant association between burnout and job satisfaction and retention was found, with respondents indicating an intention to stay within the specialty having significantly lower burnout scores than those who considered leaving within 5 years. Among those who indicated leaving the specialty, 35% (n = 13) attributed this to their current working conditions.ConclusionsBurnout among VS/VST in Denmark is negatively associated with various work- and health-related outcomes. The work environment seems to play an essential role in these associations, and alterations in workplace organization may remedy this situation.Copyright © 2023 by the American College of Surgeons. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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