Burnout and impostor syndrome among emergency physicians in Japan: a multicenter cross-sectional study

Background Emergency physicians (EPs) experience impostor syndrome and burnout. This study assessed the incidences of burnout and impostor syndrome and their causative factors in Japanese EPs. Methods This cross-sectional study administered questionnaires to 34 Japanese emergency departments (EDs). The Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) scores, Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS) scores, and their correlations with ED- and EP-level factors underwent a multivariable analysis. Results Of the 307 EPs (70.4%) participants 64 (20.8%), 69 (22.4%), and 197 (64.1%) had MBI-HSS scores that indicated a severe degree of emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization, and personal accomplishment (PA), respectively; 34 (11.0%) EPs had severe scores for all three components. Regarding participant CIPS scores, 92 (29.9%) had a higher value than the cutoff. The multivariable analysis of MBI-HSS scores determined severe EE scores were associated with sleep periods (odds ratio [OR], 0.699; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.496–0.983; P = 0.040) and overnight work (OR, 2.375; 95% CI, 1.006–5.603; P = 0.048). Higher CIPS scores correlated with younger age (OR, 0.941; 95% CI, 0.894–0.991; P = 0.022), personal interviews (OR, 2.636; 95% CI, 1.308–5.312; P = 0.007), and overnight work (OR, 2.679; 95% CI, 1.048–6.851; P = 0.040). Conclusions A high level of burnout was experienced by 11.0% of the participants. Although Japanese EPs more severe scores for PA than EPs in other countries, their CIPS scores were similar. To maintain the well-being of Japanese EPs, ED supervisors should consider supporting younger specialists, interviewing effectively, providing adequate sleep periods, and improving overnight work settings.