Exploring the link between physician burnout and intentions to retire early

In the light of physician shortage and increasing demands of medical services, losing physicians due to early retirement is becoming a significant problem for healthcare systems worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate retirement plans and the relationship between burnout and retirement planning. For the purpose of the current study, a sample of n = 320 physicians working in patient care was analyzed in 2020 (Baseline) and repeatedly in 2024 (Follow-up). The questionnaire included the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, measuring overall burnout and sub dimensions (personal, patient- and work-related). One single item assessed retirement planning (earlier vs. later/regular). Mixed-effects generalized linear models with binomial family and logit-link were applied, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. In terms of retirement planning, 42% of physicians in 2020 and 39% pf physicians in 2024 were planning to retire early. The highest prevalence of burnout was found with regard to personal burnout at both time points. In addition, a significant association between time retirement planning and burnout was found: for a one-unit increase in overall burnout, a 12% increase in the odds of desiring early retirement may be expected when controlling for sociodemographics (p = 0.001). Specifically, an increase in work-related burnout was significantly related to a 7.1% higher odds of early retirement intention (p = 0.005) while no relationship was found for personal or patient-related burnout. Current analyses indicate that burnout constitutes a significant risk factor for the early retirement of physicians and warrants appropriate attention in workforce planning. In order to avoid negative consequences for the broader healthcare system, it is important to establish interventions that help physicians to cope with high workload. Future studies are needed to better understand decisions regarding retirement among physicians.