210 Addressing burnout in radiologists: Causes, impact on patient care, and potential solutions

Abstract

Objectives/Goals: This study objective is to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of burnout in practicing radiologists, with a focus on personal as well as systemic factors. It aims to identify and assess the existing strategies to mitigate burnout, enhance radiologist performance, and improve the quality of patient care. Methods/Study Population: The present study is a systematic review that summarizes existing literature on burnout in radiology, examining its prevalence, risk factors, and effect on diagnostic accuracy, decision-making, and job satisfaction. The review will synthesize validated evidence for emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and professional fulfillment. The review discusses trends and solutions that have emerged from analysis of data within differing countries, subspecialties, and career stages, focusing on elevated risk of burnout in radiologists. It also assesses downstream effects on patient care quality such as missed diagnoses and increased medical errors. The review also discusses potential strategies for mitigating these negative effects on healthcare delivery. Results/Anticipated Results: The anticipated results of this review are expected to reveal significant variability in burnout rates across radiology subspecialties and practice settings, with prevalence ranging from 33% to 88% (Fawzy et al., 2023). Emotional exhaustion and depersonalization emerge as the most reported symptoms as consistently highlighted in previous studies. Major contributors such as workload, administrative burdens, and technological isolation (e.g., remote work and reduced face-to-face interaction) are anticipated. Radiologists in high-demand areas like interventional radiology and those in private practice may show higher burnout levels than those in academic settings. Protective factors, like exercise, supportive environments, and work-life balance, are expected to reduce burnout levels. Discussion/Significance of Impact: This study calls attention to the importance of addressing radiologist burnout as a key institutional priority. Early and effective interventions are essential for improving job satisfaction, reducing medical errors resulting in enhanced patient care. Addressing burnout is crucial for maintaining a sustainable and effective radiology workflow.