Evaluation of Burnout Syndrome in Medical Residents Following a “Rest After Shift” Intervention

Background: The burnout syndrome generates a negative impact on professional performance, patient ́s safety and resident ́s life. Despite this problem has become important in the residency programs in Argentina, effective measures to prevent burnout among residents have not been evaluated yet. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of the burnout syndrome before and after the implementation of rest after shift in cardiology residents. Methods: An analytic and prospective study was conducted using the Maslach burnout questionnaire in cardiology residents of an institution in the city of Buenos Aires, before and after the implementation of a day of rest (DOR) after a 24-hour shift. Results: The survey was responded by 42 residents (2014: 19; 2015: 23). There was a trend towards lower prevalence of burnout in the DOR group (26.1% vs. 47.4% p=0.152) and better outcomes in the depersonalization scale [19 (11-21) vs. 10 (1-17) p=0.023]. Women and residents who had moved to Buenos Aires presented lower degrees of exhaustion and depersonalization. Conclusions: The implementation of DOR after a 24-hour shift was associated with a reduction in the depersonalization scale, particularly among women. We emphasize the importance of creating prevention strategies aimed at improving residents’ working conditions and quality of life.