Mental health and occupational wellbeing of Australian gynaecologic oncologists.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity and occupational burnout among Australian gynaecologic oncologists and to assess job stress and job satisfaction in this group.


METHODS
Anonymous, self-report questionnaires containing validated measures were sent to all practicing Australian gynaecologic oncologists in October 2008.


RESULTS
The response rate was 78.4% (N=29). More than one-third (35.7%) had high levels of emotional exhaustion, the central component of burnout. In the past 6 months, 42.9%, 57.1%, and 28.6% had seriously considered leaving for another position, reducing the number of hours worked, and taking early retirement, respectively. The most commonly reported source of stress (80.8%) was home-life disruption due to work. Compared to general population data and recommended national guidelines, rates of alcohol consumption were high. Psychological morbidity, global job stress and burnout were significantly correlated and each was associated with harmful alcohol use. Other factors associated with burnout were administrative/organizational demands and patient volume. More than half of respondents (58.6%) had high levels of job satisfaction and most had high levels of personal accomplishment (70.4%). Perceived adequacy of the training curriculum and proposed changes to the curriculum are reported.


CONCLUSIONS
Australian gynaecologic oncologists experience considerable occupational distress while possessing high levels of personal accomplishment and job satisfaction. To maintain a healthy workforce, it is important to build on existing supports while conducting further research to identify suitable evidence-based strategies for improving the mental health of these surgeons.
Stafford
Lesley
L
Centre for Women's Mental Health, Royal Women's Hospital, Locked Bag 300, Victoria, Australia. Lesley.stafford@thewomens.org.au
Judd
Fiona
F
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000523:psychology; D001315:Australia; D002055:Burnout, Professional; D005260:Female; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000523:psychology; D006176:Gynecology; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D008495:Medical Oncology; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology