Evaluation of Burnout and Contributing Factors in Imaging Cardiologists in Korea

Abstract

Background: We aimed to examine the prevalence of burnout among imaging cardiologists in Korea and to identify its associated factors.

Methods: An online survey of imaging cardiologists affiliated with university hospitals in Korea was conducted using SurveyMonkey® in November 2023. The validated Korean version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Service Survey was used to assess burnout across three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and lack of personal accomplishment. Data on demographics, work environment factors, and job satisfaction were collected using structured questionnaires.

Results: A total of 128 imaging cardiologists (46.1% men; 76.6% aged ≤ 50 years) participated in the survey. Regarding workload, 74.2% of the respondents interpreted over 50 echocardiographic examinations daily, and 53.2% allocated > 5 of 10 working sessions per week to echocardiographic laboratory duties. Burnout levels were high, with a significant proportion of participants experiencing emotional exhaustion (28.1%), depersonalization (63.3%), and a lack of personal accomplishment (92.2%). Younger age (< 50 years) was correlated with higher emotional exhaustion risk, while more research time was protective against burnout in the depersonalization domain. Factors, such as being single, living with family, and specific job satisfaction facets, including uncontrollable workload and value mismatch, were associated with varying levels of burnout risk across different dimensions.

Conclusion: Our study underscores the high burnout rates among Korean imaging cardiologists, attributed to factors such as the subjective environment and job satisfaction. Hence, evaluating and supporting cardiologists in terms of individual values and subjective factors are important to effectively prevent burnout.