“I clearly have some wiring that’s not quite right” Are there personal predisposing factors to burnout we should be aware of?

Problem

Burnout in UK General Practitioners (GPs) is at crisis levels. A recent survey reported one in five were at highest risk for burnout, and over half were emotionally exhausted. These figures are repeated across the world. Burnout leads to retirement and resignation which adds to the workforce crisis, as well as patient safety concerns. Previously, we identified that GPs with burnout can feel stigmatised by their colleagues, and the health service. However, with burnout so prevalent, it is important with an have discussions about predisposing factors, and warning signs of burnout, without prejudice or blame. While there are studies that quantify the issue of burnout, some exploring underlying factors, and many commentaries, there is a dearth of qualitative research that allows people with lived experience of burnout to share their stories. It is important that we listen to those who have been burned out, without stigma, blame or prejudice, if we want to make the changes our profession needs.

Approach

Six male and nine female GPs, with personal, lived experience of burnout were interviewed via Zoom, by a GP peer researcher, between September 2021 and February 2022. A thematic analysis was undertaken of these frank interviews, using NVivo software. The dataset produced was large, and gave rich data regarding many issues around burnout and the GP experience. Here, we discuss personal predisposing factors for burnout.

Findings

Participants disclosed themes of personal predisposing factors that made them feel they were vulnerable to burnout. These were perfectionism, neurodiversity- specifically likely autistic spectrum condition, past trauma, including childhood trauma (the ‘wounded healer’) and a sense of ‘imposter syndrome’. Participants were very articulate and self-aware in the multifactorial causes of burnout. While participants could identify these predisposing factors that made them vulnerable to burnout, these factors had been true for their whole careers, and were not the sole cause of burnout. During the interviews participants shared their resilience, and commitment to general practice and patients, despite their personal challenges.

Consequences

This study adds to our understanding of GP burnout, with in-depth insights into the personal factors that could predispose a GP to burnout. These factors could easily be argued to lead to better, empathetic GPs, and therefore we do not advocate for early career screening. However awareness of a personal GPs vulnerabilities, within a systems based intervention to destigmatise awareness of these challenges, and for GPs to seek prompt support needed when these personal factors turn from an asset to their career, to a challenge. Further research is needed into support for neurodiverse GPs, or those with early life trauma.