Background
Up to 40% of General practitioners (GPs) experience burnout which leads to significant job related distress. Burnout is intertwined with depression and includes feelings of emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and lower job satisfaction. GP burnout is also likely to be associated with lower patient satisfaction and poorer quality and safety of care but the evidence about this link is poorly researched.
Aims and objectives
This preliminary research has two key objectives:
- To conduct the first systematic review of the literature on the link between burnout of GPs and threats to quality and safety of care
- To carry out a feasibility study to examine the link between burnout of GPs and data on quality and safety of care, to explore the value of assessing burnout in GPs and to identify key organisational features of practices that may contribute to burnout
Methods
A systematic review of the literature will be performed. We will assess the feasibility of an observational study to link burnout of GPs to data on quality and safety of care recorded in large publically available databases. We will also undertake discussions with GPs and practice managers to assess the value of regularly assessing burnout, and to identify organisational drivers of GP burnout in practices. GPs will be consulted and actively involved in all stages of this research. This approach will ensure that a feasible and acceptable programme grant will be developed at the end of this funding period to prevent burnout in GPs.
Benefits to patients and NHS
The study will benefit GPs, patients and NHS by advancing the scientific understanding of burnout of GPs. A broad dissemination strategy including scientific outputs and partnerships the Royal College for General Practitioners will be employed to increase awareness of the need to prevent burnout in GPs.