According to an investigation of GPs (general practitioners) in one region of South East England, burnout levels in UK general practice are high. The study is published in BMJ Open.

The article reveals that primary care physicians (GPs, general practitioners, family doctors) who work in group practices, those who always see the same patient, and male doctors appear to be at considerably higher risk. This finding urged the researchers to reveal that “a significant group of doctors is in trouble.”

Findings from the study are based on a survey of 564 out of 789 eligible general practitioners working in the county of Essex. Using a validate measure (the Maslach Burnout Inventory, or MBI), the GPs were evaluated for burnout.

The MBI measures emotional exhaustion; depersonalization, expressed as cynicism and negativity; and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment, to evaluated burnout.

The researchers found:

  • 46% of survey respondents fitted emotional exhaustion criteria
  • 34% believed they were not achieving much
  • 42% (more than 1 in 4) were depersonalized

A high score for one of the factors was associated to higher scores in the other two factors.

The authors found that compared to women doctors, male doctors were considerably more likely to be depersonalized. In addition, they found that doctors who had been qualified under two decades ago were more depersonalized than doctors who had been qualified for longer. They also found that doctors who were depersonalized were also considerably more likely to repeatedly see the same patients.

The authors wrote that the differences between male and female doctors may be due to a larger number of women doctors working part time, or that they are more patient focused than male doctors, which may increase professional satisfaction.

The team found that depersonalized doctors were considerably more likely to work in group practices. They describe their findings as “disappointing”, because in theory, group practice should provide more support.

The authors wrote:

“The finding could be the result of group practice creating extra demands on practitioners while raising the possibility of interpersonal tensions and conflicts. Regardless of cause, these findings are worrying as group practices are increasing in size and number.”

However, doctors’ professionalism did not appear to be undermined by burnout. Results of a validated rating survey (DISQ) of 38 doctors, consisting of 760 consultations and nearly 1,900 patients, showed no negative impact on doctors’ patient focus or their interpersonal skills.

The researchers highlight that their discoveries may not be applicable across the UK as they relate to doctors in one region of England, although they confirm that this is the largest number of GPs ever to complete an MBI.

Referring to prior investigations suggesting that GP’s who distance themselves as a way to cope, over time evoke more demanding patients, the researchers conclude:

“Whatever the reasons [for depersonalization], a significant group of
doctors is in trouble.”

Results from the survey warrant attention from the NHS, doctors themselves, as well as their professional bodies.

The researchers caution:

“The NHS nationally and locally needs to review its policies, especially when generating increased pressures for this, the largest group of NHS doctors.”

Written by Grace Rattue