The hidden struggle of overworked urology residents “the hour”: The overlooked burnout, a narrative review

Abstract

Burnout is a growing concern across numerous professions and industries worldwide. It has increased for many people since the onset of COVID-19 due to the stress, uncertainty, and changes brought on by the pandemic. Burnout is also a significant issue in the field of medicine, particularly urology, where residents face long working hours and high workloads, leading to physical and mental health problems, as well as limited opportunities for rest and rejuvenation. This alarming trend highlights the need for more effective measures to address burnout and promote employee well-being and job satisfaction. A thorough search of electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar was conducted to obtain pertinent articles using relevant keywords. Retrieved articles were screened for relevance, with duplicates and irrelevant articles excluded. Thematic and critical review analysis was conducted on chosen articles, identifying key themes and contributing factors related to burnout in urology residents. The hidden struggle of overworked urology residents and their overlooked burnout represents a complex issue that requires systemic change and individual-level interventions. Organizations must prioritize employee well-being by providing adequate support and resources for managing burnout. Additionally, promoting effective leadership practices that prioritize resident well-being over any personal or institution recognitions or gains is crucial. These steps will improve the quality of care while mitigating negative outcomes for residents.

Key words： awareness and mental health; burnout; hidden struggle; leadership; overwork; residency; urology