Fiona Maclean1
1 Douglass Hanley Moir, Franklin.ai, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Abstract for IAP 2024 Cancun, Mexico
Only recently has there been recognition of burnout within healthcare professionals. In this review, we explore the relevant literature. Pathologists are faced with increasing diagnostic burdens reflecting the continued ageing global population, with resultant increase in cancer prevalence. In prostate cancer, for example, it is projected that the global number of cases will rise from 1.4 million in 2020 to 2.9 million by 2040. Research into possible solutions, such as artificial intelligence to support pathologists, may provide sources of relief.
To review, summarise and present relevant literature documenting burnout amongst genitourinary histopathologists.
A literature review of electronic databases was conducted to identify the current landscape of pathologist burnout, with a deeper focus on subspecialist genitourinary histopathologists. Reviewed studies were published between 2010 to present, utilising the PICOS model. Most study surveys focused on the feeling of fatigue, stress, overwhelmed by work or anxiety as outcome measures of burnout.
Although this is an emerging area of research, the few cross-sectional observational studies retrieved documented a high proportion of pathologists experienced work-related stress and burnout. A large Canadian study revealed more than half of respondents (53%) had at least one symptom of burnout. Similarly, a study in the USA noted that almost half of respondents (48%) experience burnout “part of the time”. Furthermore, 69% of pathologists in a Turkish study reported feelings of fatigue and a further 45% being burnt-out. Whilst these studies illustrate several possible contributing factors - including increasing workload, general ageing of the population, lack of access to adequate resources - there has been no unified resolution to this imminent problem. The consequences of stress and burnout extend beyond decreased job satisfaction to increased risk of impaired quality of patient care, increased risk of medical errors, and eventual attrition from the profession.
Burnout and stress pose considerable challenges to the overall well-being of pathologists, which in turn presents a risk to their capacity to deliver quality care to patients. Addressing these issues requires multifaceted interventions that prioritise clinician wellness and cultivate supportive work environments. Along with individualistic techniques, there is potential for artificial intelligence to provide support in assisting pathologists to meet their workload demands. This literature review provides valuable insights for clinicians, and policymakers seeking to mitigate the burden of stress and burnout.
The following was accepted as a Poster for IAP Cancun 2024
