Moral Distress and Occupational Burnout in US Physicians

What is the level of moral distress and the association between burnout, intent to leave (ITL), and intent to reduce work hours (ITR) among physicians and US workers?In this survey study of 5741 physicians and 3501 US workers, the mean moral distress score for physicians was 3.29, with 39.1% reporting a high level of moral distress; physicians had higher odds of experiencing moral distress than other US workers. The prevalence of burnout, ITL, and ITR was higher for each 1-point increase in moral distress score among physicians.These findings suggest that moral distress is common among physicians and experienced at higher rates than the general US working population.

Corresponding Author: Michael Tutty, PhD, MHA, American Medical Association, 330 N Wabash Ave, Ste 39300, Chicago, IL 60611-5885 (michael.tutty@ama-assn.org).

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