Current Workforce Characteristics and Burnout in Pediatric Emergency Medicine

• DOI: 10.1111/acem.12845
• Publication Date: 2015-12-31T15:52:46Z
• Authors: Marc H. Gorelick; Robert Schremmer; Holly Ruch‐Ross; Carrie Radabaugh; Steven Selbst
• Keywords: Graduation (instrument); Pediatric emergency medicine; Attrition; Demographics; Graduate medical education

Abstract Objectives Changes in health care delivery and graduate medical education have important consequences for the workforce pediatric emergency medicine ( PEM ). This study compared career preparation potential attrition of with prior assessment from 1998. Methods An e‐mail survey was sent to members American Academy Pediatrics AAP ) Section on EM non‐ board certified . Information demographics, practice characteristics professional activities, preparation, future plans, burnout (using two validated screening questions) analyzed using standard descriptive statistics. Results Of 2,120 surveys mailed, 895 responses were received (40.8% response). Over half (53.7%) respondents female, 44% The majority (62.9%) practiced department ED a free‐standing children's hospital. distribution activities similar that reported 1998, time (60%) spent direct patient care. Half indicated involvement research, almost had dedicated other including services (7.3%), disaster (6.9%), child abuse (5.0%), transport (3.6%), toxicology (2.3% respondents), (13.6%); additionally, 21.3% quality/safety. Respondents highly satisfied (95.6%) fellowship clinical care, but less research (49.2%) administration (38.7%). However, satisfaction nonclinical training higher those within 10 years school graduation. Forty‐six percent plan change activity next 5 years, reducing hours, changing shifts, or retiring. Overall, 11.9% all respondents, 20.1% women 2.6% men (p < 0.001), report currently working part time. Large majorities endorsed feeling burned out at work (88.5%) more callous toward people as result (67.5%) least monthly, one five reporting such feelings weekly. Conclusions While is improving, gaps remain skills. Symptoms are prevalent, there likely be substantial providers near future.