Burnout and Resiliency in Canadian Oncology Residents: A Nationwide Resident and Program Director Survey

Purpose: This study aimed to measure the burnout rates and resiliency scores of Canadian oncology residents and advance the knowledge on resiliency and wellness training in Canadian oncology residency programs.

Methods and materials: Online surveys were circulated to all Canadian radiation oncology, medical oncology, and hematology residents and program directors. Oncology resident burnout rates and resiliency scores were measured using the abbreviated Maslach Burnout Inventory and Connor-Davidson Resiliency Scale. Information with regard to pre-existing resiliency and wellness training programs as well as interest in and suggestions for potential resiliency and wellness activities was collected.

Results: The resident survey had a response rate of 30% (57 of 187 surveys sent). The average resiliency score on the Connor-Davidson Resiliency Scale was 65.4 (95% confidence interval, 62.2-68.6). A total of 24 responding residents (42.1%) met the defined burnout criteria. Low resiliency was significantly associated with a higher rate of burnout (P = .01). No specific demographics predicted low resiliency or high burnout. A total of 33 residents (58%) felt that they had not received adequate resiliency and wellness training. The program director survey had a response rate of 48% (20 of 42 surveys sent). Of the responding program directors, 50% indicated they had received no formal resiliency and wellness training.

Conclusions: Canadian oncology residents demonstrate high rates of burnout and low resiliency compared with the general population, and similar burnout rates compared with U.S. radiation oncology residents and other resident groups. This is the first study to comprehensively report on the rates of burnout and resiliency in oncology residents and establishes a baseline to study resiliency and burnout in this population. The development of resiliency and wellness curricula, including mindfulness training and individualized activities, is warranted in this population, should be offered to all residents, and will be a mandatory component of the accreditation standards for Canadian residency programs as of 2018.