For the report, researchers from the American Society of Clinical Oncology analyzed 328 survey responses from oncologists in 2023 and compared the data to responses from a similar survey in 2013.
Here is what to know from the report:
- The burnout rate among oncologists surveyed was 59% in 2023 compared to 45% in 2013.
Two groups of oncologists demonstrated a higher rate of burnout, those with caregiving responsibilities and those under the age of 50.
There was no significant difference in burnout rates between oncologists working in academic and non academic settings.
- In 2023, oncologists surveyed worked a median of 60 hours per week, a slight increase from the 57.6 hours per week reported in 2013.
Burnout rates increased as average total hours per week increased. Of oncologists working less than 50 hours per week, 41% reported burnout compared to 63% of those working between 50-59 hours per week, 63% of those working 60-69 hours per week and 82% of those working more than 70 hours per week.
- The rate of reported high emotional exhaustion increased from 38% in 2013 to 57% in 2023.
- The rate of reported high depersonalization increased from 25% in 2013 to 34% in 2023.
- The rate of reported satisfaction with work-life integration decreased from 35% in 2013 to 24% in 2023.
- Rates of quality of life and average fatigue remained relatively unchanged over the decade, at about 7% and 6%, respectively.
- More than 20% of oncologists surveyed in 2023 said they would reduce their working hours in the next 12 months. In addition, more than 20% also said they were likely to or definitely were leaving their current position in the next 24 months.
- According to the survey, the top stressors affecting oncologists’ work were the following:
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Staffing levels: 52% in the academic setting, 37% in the non-academic setting
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Use of electronic health records: 44% in the academic setting, 50% in the non-academic setting
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Payer policies and interactions: 39% in the academic setting, 47% in the non-academic setting
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Challenges with patients and caregivers: 15% in the academic setting, 16% in the non-academic setting
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Emotional burden of patient death and suffering: 13% in both the academic and non-academic settings
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Interactions with other colleagues/team members: 13% in the academic setting, 8% in the non-academic setting
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Changes made to clinical practice due to COVID-19 pandemic: 7% in the academic setting, 5% in the non-academic setting
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- The survey found the top ways to improve oncologists’ work were:
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Additional practice and administrative support: 49% in the academic setting, 41% in the non-academic setting
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Greater patient self-care and responsibility: 48% in the academic setting, 36% in the non-academic setting
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Reduced workload: 28% in the academic setting, 46% in the non-academic setting
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Working fewer hours without other changes: 21% in the academic setting, 35% in the non-academic setting
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Increased compensation: 25% in the academic setting, 16% in the non-academic setting
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Additional opportunities for professional development: 14% in the academic setting, 9% in the non-academic setting
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Wellness or burnout resources: 2% in both the academic and non-academic settings
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- The survey also said the top aspects of clinical care that led to “joy” in oncologists’ work were:
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Speaking with and advising patients about diagnosis and treatment: 62% in the academic setting, 66% in the non-academic setting
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Selecting and overseeing treatments that prolong or improve quality of life: 39% in the academic setting, 56% in the non-academic setting
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Having positive interpersonal interactions with colleagues and team members: 43% in the academic setting, 32% in the non-academic setting
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Offering or enrolling patients in clinical trials: 32% in the academic setting, 22% in the non-academic setting
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Relieving patient suffering and caring for patients at the end of life: 18% in the academic setting, 19% in the non-academic setting
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Read the full report here.
