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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Burnout Syndrome | Protocol

Factors that impact burnout and psychological wellbeing in Australian postgraduate medical trainees: a systematic review protocol

Authors: Belinda Balhatchet, Heike Schütze, Nicole Williams, Bruce Ashford

Published in: Systematic Reviews | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

The stressful nature of medical training and other work-related factors put postgraduate medical trainees at high risk of burnout and poor psychological wellbeing. This has negative implications for patient care and the effectiveness of the healthcare system. The structure of the healthcare system and postgraduate medical education in Australia is different to that of other countries. Whilst a significant body of research exists on burnout and wellbeing in trainees in the USA, evidence specific to Australian trainees is lacking. The aim of this review is to synthesise the current knowledge on the factors that impact burnout and psychological wellbeing in Australian postgraduate medical trainees.

Methods/design

A systematic review will be conducted across eight digital databases: Academic Search Complete, MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, PsychInfo, Scopus, CINAHL Plus and Informit Health Collection. Peer reviewed empirical studies and relevant grey literature published after 2000 that address an aspect of burnout or psychological wellbeing in Australian postgraduate medical trainees will be included. Two reviewers will independently review each article against the inclusion and exclusion criteria, with disagreements resolved via discussion and consensus. Data will be extracted using a standard form and quality will be assessed using the assessment tools available from the Joanna Briggs Institute. A thematic narrative synthesis of the studies will be presented, along with an assessment of current gaps in the literature and areas for future research.

Discussion

This review will be the first to integrate the evidence on burnout and psychological wellbeing specific to Australian postgraduate medical trainees. The findings will contribute to a better understanding of the factors that impact burnout and psychological wellbeing in this population and will lay the foundation for future research into appropriate strategic interventions.

Systematic review registration

This protocol has been registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42020203195).

Available only for authorised users

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Title: Factors that impact burnout and psychological wellbeing in Australian postgraduate medical trainees: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Belinda Balhatchet
Heike Schütze
Nicole Williams
Bruce Ashford
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Burnout Syndrome
Published in: Systematic Reviews / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 2046-4053
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-021-01809-z

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Factors that impact burnout and psychological wellbeing in Australian postgraduate medical trainees: a systematic review protocol

Abstract

Background

Methods/design

Discussion

Systematic review registration

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods/design

Discussion

Systematic review registration

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