The work-life balance of general practitioners as a predictor of burnout and motivation to stay in the profession

Abstract

Abstract Background Work-life balance (WLB) is associated with a variety of health-related outcomes in the general population. Since General Practitioners (GPs) play a fundamental role in the health system, we wanted to analyze the associations between their WLB and burnout scores as well as motivation to stay in the profession. Methods In September 2019, physicians from various specialties answered a comprehensive questionnaire. We analyzed a subsample of 188 GPs that were working full time, 61.7% were female. Results Multivariate analysis showed a beneficial association between WLB and all three dimensions of burnout (Emotional Exhaustion, Cynicism, and Professional Efficacy) as well as the motivation to stay in the profession. Conclusions Improving GPs WLB could be a way to reduce physician burnout, strengthen the healthcare system, and attract a new generation of talented physicians.