Evaluation of Burnout Syndrome in Medical Residents Following a “Rest after Shift” Intervention

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Abstract

Background: The burnout syndrome generates a negative impact on professional performance, patient´s safety and resident´s life.Despite this problem has become important in the residency programs in Argentina, effective measures to prevent burnout among residents have not been evaluated yet.
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of the burnout syndrome before and after the implementation of rest after shift in cardiology residents.
Methods: An analytic and prospective study was conducted using the Maslach burnout questionnaire in cardiology residents of an institution in the city of Buenos Aires, before and after the implementation of a day of rest (DOR) after a 24-hour shift.
Results: The survey was responded by 42 residents (2014: 19; 2015: 23). There was a trend towards lower prevalence of burnout in the DOR group (26.1% vs. 47.4% p=0.152) and better outcomes in the depersonalization scale [19 (11-21) vs. 10 (1-17) p=0.023]. Women and residents who had moved to Buenos Aires presented lower degrees of exhaustion and depersonalization.
Conclusions: The implementation of DOR after a 24-hour shift was associated with a reduction in the depersonalization scale, particularly among women. We emphasize the importance of creating prevention strategies aimed at improving residents’ working conditions and quality of life.