Consequences of burnout syndrome in physicians: narrative review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25118/2763-9037.2025.v15.1474Keywords:
physicians, professional exhaustion, burnout syndrome, mental health, occupational healthAbstract
Introduction: Burnout syndrome is a prevalent occupational phenomenon among physicians, characterized by emotional exhaustion, feelings of inefficacy, and depersonalization, with significant physical and psychological repercussions. Objective: To analyze the consequences of burnout syndrome on physicians’ personal and professional lives, while also identifying associated factors and coping strategies reported in the literature. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using the descriptors “burnout,” “Physicians,” and “Occupational Stress.” Results: A total of 32 articles published between 2015 and 2025 were selected, complemented by seminal references in the field. Discussion: Evidence indicates that burnout syndrome is highly prevalent among physicians and negatively impacts personal life, compromising emotional well-being, family dynamics, and social relationships. Professionally, it is associated with increased risk of medical errors, reduced quality of care, absenteeism, and higher intention to leave the profession, with economic implications for healthcare systems due to staff turnover. Contributing factors include work overload, adverse institutional conditions, workplace violence, and gender inequality. Coping strategies described in the literature include psychological support, institutional interventions, and digital tools, although isolated individual measures show limited effectiveness. Conclusion: Burnout syndrome among physicians compromises personal health, quality of care, and institutional efficiency. Prevention requires not only individual-level initiatives but also structural and organizational measures to promote physician well-being.
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