An Analysis of ACGME Resident Well-being Survey data and Its Correlation to a Resident-administered Well-being Survey
Lauren Bojarski1, Timothy Ainger2
1Dept of Neurology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, 2University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Dept. of Neurology
Objective:
To evaluate the validity of the ACGME Well-being survey by correlation with scores on the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey for Medical Personnel (MBI-HSS (MP)), as well as to compare both surveys against validated inventories of depression.
Background:
Burnout research shows that the prevalence of burnout may peak during medical education, including medical school and residency, indicating a stronger need for change within the construct of graduate medical education. While the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) provides a yearly survey to evaluate burnout symptoms in residency, it is unclear how valid this survey is in comparison to validated measures such as the MBI-HSS MP.
Design/Methods:
Residents in adult neurology, child neurology, and adult psychiatry at the University of Kentucky were identified for administration of the MBI-HSS (MP), the PHQ-9, and the 2018-2019 ACGME Well-Being Survey questions.
Results:
Out of 51 participants, there was a 56.8% response rate for a total of N = 29. 68.9% (20/29) of participants taking the MBI had emotional exhaustion, compared to 72.4% (21/29) on the ACGME survey. 75.9% (22/29) of participants rated moderate to high personal accomplishment on the MBI, compared to 93.1% (27/29) on the ACGME survey. 65.5% (19/29) of participants rated moderate to high levels of depersonalization on the MBI, compared to 17.2% (5/29) of participants on the ACGME. 37.9% (11/29) met criteria for mild depression, 10.3% (3/29) for moderate depression, and 3.4% (1/29) for severe depression.
Conclusions:
While emotional exhaustion appears equal between both surveys, the validated MBI survey shows a lower level of personal accomplishment and higher level of depersonalization compared to the ACGME survey. Although both surveys can be used to address resident well-being, a more validated evaluation by the ACGME might provide a clearer answer to understand and thus better treat burnout in this population.