Date of Award

Spring 5-11-2017

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

PhD Health Sciences

Department

Health and Medical Sciences

Advisor

Genevieve Pinto-Zipp, Ed.D

Committee Member

Deborah A. DeLuca, JD

Committee Member

Nancy Connell, Ph.D

Keywords

Radiology Physician Executive, Burnout, Family Support, Administrative Support

Abstract

Radiology Physician Executives (Radiology PEs) perform administrative duties and they have frequent and prolonged contact with patients, residents, fellows, faculty and staff. This study, using the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey to measure burnout in a convenient sample of Radiology PEs working in accredited academic medical institutions, is the first one to evaluate burnout in this group. The purpose of this study was to explore the burnout experience of Radiology PEs by investigating their burnout rate, understanding their burnout experience and explore a theory on how Radiology PEs think about, perceive, experience and manage burnout. The study describes the development and use of a profile sheet to gather demographic data and information about the burnout experience Radiology PEs. Data collected from a web-based survey of a sample size of 141 Radiology PEs revealed that 2.13% (3) Radiology PEs had high burnout. The chi square test was used to examine years of experience and burnout. The regression model was used to predict the relationship between work factors and burnout and the Pearson correlation test was utilized to evaluate the relationship between administrative or family support and burnout. Each data set was not statically significant. The qualitative theme analysis found six emerging themes about the work environment and Radiology PEs’ burnout. Findings indicated that the main reason for burnout is that Radiology PEs have too much to do; the main symptom of burnout was the negative effect of burnout on their emotional well-being. Radiology PEs’ main burnout prevention strategy was reported to be maintaining regular activities. The personality type called “agreeableness” could have helped Radiology PEs’ management of burnout. In addition, the study participants reported that old Radiology PEs and those who received support from colleagues and others at work were more prepared to cope with factors that influence burnout. This study is the first step in developing a cohesive understanding of the burnout experience of Radiology PEs. The results are offered to help frame the direction of future research in the field and raise awareness of the need to improve Radiology PEs’ work experience.

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