Job satisfaction, Career Burnout, and Work-Related Well-Being Prevalence among Orthopedic Surgeons: A Nationwide Study

Document Type : RESEARCH PAPER

Authors

1 Clinical Research Development Unit of Shohada-e Tajrish Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rasoul Akram Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

3 Joint Reconstruction Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

4 Orthopedic Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

5 Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Ahwaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahwaz, Iran

6 Department of Biomedical Engineering, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

7 Knee and Sports Medicine Research and Education Center, Milad Hospital, Tehran, Iran

8 8 Physiotherapy Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 9 Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Background: Burnout is a well-known consequence of chronic stress. Orthopedic surgery is among the most
desired specialty among Iranian medical students. The nature of the job, the income, and the ability to deal with
stress can all be stressful factors for orthopedic surgeons. Nonetheless, little is known about how these medical
doctors work and live in Iran. The present study aimed to assess job satisfaction, engagement, and burnout among
Iranian orthopedists.
Methods: A nationwide online survey was conducted in Iran. Job satisfaction, engagement, and burnout were
evaluated using the job description index (JDI), Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, and Maslach Burnout Scale. They
were also asked some additional questions related to career choice.
Results: A total of 456 questionnaires (41% response rate) were retrieved. Overall, 56.8% of the participants
experienced burnout. The burnout levels significantly differed based on age, years from graduation, working in public
hospitals, operating more than 10 patients in a week, monthly income, having less than two children, and being
single (P<0.05). They scored higher on work questions on the present job and jobs in general but lower scores on
pay and opportunities for promotion.
Conclusion: In a national study of orthopedic surgeons, their primary concern in JDI was “pay and promotion.”
Burnout was substantially associated with respondents’ characteristics, such as younger age and having fewer
children. This will lead to impaired performance, increased patient complaints, and the tendency to immigrate.
Level of evidence: V

Keywords

Main Subjects

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The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery
Volume 11, Issue 4
April 2023
Pages 293-300

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History

  • Receive Date: 18 August 2022
  • Revise Date: 21 September 2022
  • Accept Date: 22 September 2022

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