Burnout among paediatric surgeons: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND

Burnout is increasingly identified as a factor affecting physician welfare, and subsequently patient care. Surgeons are known to experience higher rates of burnout compared with the general population. No review has focused exclusively on burnout prevalence among paediatric surgeons. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to determine the prevalence of burnout among paediatric surgeons, alongside identifying and analysing potential influences.

METHODS

Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines, following our published PROSPERO protocol (CRD42025640570), 719 records were identified from inception through 13 January 2025. Included studies produced primary data reporting paediatric surgeon burnout prevalence, using validated burnout metrics. Main exclusion criteria were: study or population irrelevance, study type and duplicates. All available data were extracted; authors were contacted for original data. Random-effects meta-analysis with restricted maximum likelihood estimation estimation was conducted to estimate a pooled burnout prevalence, further subgroup analyses and meta-regressions were performed.

RESULTS

Meta-analysis of 15 studies (2757 paediatric surgeons) revealed a pooled burnout prevalence of 29.4% (95% CI 20.3% to 40.5%), with substantial heterogeneity (I²=96.4%). Burnout rates ranged from 7.8% to 73.7%. Studies using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) reported significantly lower burnout (22.4%) compared with non-MBI tools (44.9%; p=0.025). No publication bias was detected. Study quality and measurement tool choice explained 35.3% and 24·5% of heterogeneity, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study establishes that nearly one in three paediatric surgeons experience burnout, with a pooled prevalence of 29.4% (95% CI 20.3% to 40.5%). This rate, while concerning, is notably lower than other surgical disciplines. Strong personal accomplishment, resulting from emotionally rewarding work with children, appears protective, alongside structurally embedded practices such as family-centred care and multidisciplinary collaboration. Personality traits associated with increased agreeableness, conscientiousness and emotional stability may further reduce susceptibility to burnout. Specialty-specific interventions, supported by structured mentorship, are critical to sustainable well-being throughout paediatric surgical practice.