Comparison of burnout among medical residents before and after the implementation of work hours limits.
OBJECTIVE
The authors assess whether implementation of work hour limits is associated with a lower prevalence of medical resident burnout.


METHODS
A survey was mailed to medical residents in different medical specialties at one university.


RESULTS
Somewhat lower burnout prevalence was reported among residents after implementation of work hour limits compared with the rates prior to the implementation period. The decrease in burnout prevalence occurred primarily among PGY-1 residents. Prevalence of burnout increased with hours worked.


CONCLUSIONS
Implementing work hour limits appeared to reduce burnout prevalence.
Martini
Shahm
S
Central Washington Comprehensive Mental Health, Yakima, WA, USA.
Arfken
Cynthia L
CL
Balon
Richard
R
D002055:Burnout, Professional / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D015984:Causality; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004501:Education, Medical; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008511:Medicine / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008824:Michigan; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011570:Psychiatry / Q000193:education / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011594:Psychometrics; D012577:Schools, Medical; D013038:Specialization; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014940:Work Schedule Tolerance / Q000523:psychology*; D016526:Workload / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*