Unmasking Burnout in Romanian Primary Care: Implications for Healthcare Careers and Well-Being in Pandemic Times

Abstract

This cross-sectional study investigates primary care physicians' intentions to change occupations and the presence of burnout in Romania in the pandemic. The research was carried out using an updated version of the MBI-Human Services Survey for Medical Personnel - MBI-HSS (MP) questionnaire. Our sample group consisted of 95 Romanian family doctors, of which 85 were female and 10 were male. 70.58% of female respondents reported having a high level of emotional Exhaustion, while 100% of male participants reported having the same raised levels of Exhaustion. 50% of men and 34.11% of women reported significant levels of Depersonalization, whereas 41.17% of female respondents indicated the lowest levels of Depersonalization.

Regarding personal accomplishment, 40% of men and 27.05% of women indicated they had high levels of PA. Based on statistical analysis, there is no significant correlation between gender and burnout dimensions, indicating that primary care physicians are at risk for burnout regardless of gender. The study also looked at an inclination to switch to a different medical speciality because of burnout. Of the participants, 55.78% said they would opt for the same specialisation again, 29.47% said they were unsure, and 33.68% said they would not choose the same medical profession again if given the chance. According to the findings, there appears to be a positive correlation between Depersonalization and the intention to change careers. Specifically, higher Depersonalisation scores were associated with a higher probability of considering changing careers. Emotional Exhaustion and personal achievement, however, did not substantially correlate with changing professions.