Many doctors in Saxony are considering retiring earlier than planned, with burnout playing a central role. This is the result of a new study by the Institute for Social Medicine, Occupational Medicine and Public Health at the University of Leipzig, which was carried out in cooperation with the Saxon State Medical Association. The study was carried out on behalf of the Chamber and recently published in the journal BMC Public Health.

The aim of the study was to strengthen the basis for better medical care for the population by initiating improvements in clinics and practices. For this purpose, a total of 320 doctors working in patient care were surveyed in 2020 and 2024. The survey recorded the degree of burnout, including emotional exhaustion and overwhelm, as well as the intention to retire early.

The results indicate that burnout is not a purely individual problem, but can pose a structural risk for the entire healthcare system. Permanent stress limits lead to those affected leaving the profession earlier, which further exacerbates the existing shortage of doctors.

Around 40 percent of those surveyed expressed the desire for early retirement at both times. An increase in the overall burnout score increases the likelihood of this intention by twelve percent. The Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, an internationally recognized questionnaire that covers the areas of personal burnout (physical and mental exhaustion), patient-related burnout (exhaustion due to patient work) and work-related burnout (general exhaustion due to work), was used for measurement.

Personal burnout was the most pronounced. A higher level of work-related burnout increases the likelihood of early retirement by seven percent, while no significant association was found for personal and patient-related burnout.

The study emphasizes the need to protect the mental health of physicians in order to secure medical care in the long term and prevent premature retirement from patient care. Dr. Franziska Jung is available as a scientific contact person.

Original Paper:

Exploring the link between physician burnout and intentions to retire early | BMC Public Health | Full Text

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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