Evaluation of burnout among pharmacy residents in the United States

Abstract Purpose The World Health Organization describes burnout as an “occupational phenomenon” that may negatively influence one's health. This study sought to determine the incidence of burnout among pharmacy residents in the United States over the course of the 2020–2021 pharmacy residency year and identify potential factors associated with burnout throughout the residency year. Methods In this prospective, observational cohort study, an email providing a study overview and the initial survey link was distributed to pharmacy residency program directors in August 2020, requesting they forward it to their residents. Subsequent emails with survey links were emailed in October, January, April, and June directly to residents who completed the August survey. The survey included the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory, a validated tool evaluating disengagement and emotional exhaustion, which together determine the presence of burnout. Results Per protocol analysis included 163 participants. There was a difference in the incidence of burnout (35%, 53%, 67%, 67%, 70%; p <0.001), disengagement (37%, 56%, 73%, 71%, 75%; p <0.001), and exhaustion (66%, 83%, 83%, 88%, 85%; p <0.001) from August, October, January, April, to June, respectively. Significant participant factors that were identified include lack of sleep ( p <0.001), increased fast food consumption ( p <0.001), and perceptions of not feeling supported by their residency program director ( p <0.001). Conclusion Differences in burnout, disengagement, and exhaustion were observed over the course of the residency year. Exhaustion peaked in April, whereas burnout and disengagement peaked in June. Lack of sleep, fast food consumption, and perceptions of not feeling supported are factors that may be associated with burnout.