Professional Burnout Among Orthopedic Surgeons During Wartime: The Ukrainian Experience

Abstract

Summary. Background. Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the working conditions of orthopedic surgeons have changed substantially. These changes have been accompanied by increased emotional and physical demands and a higher risk of professional burnout. Objective. To assess the level of burnout among orthopedic surgeons in Ukraine during wartime and to analyze its association with clinical workload and various social and professional factors. Materials and Methods. An anonymous cross-sectional study was conducted among 147 orthopedic surgeons from different regions of Ukraine. Burnout was assessed using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI), including personal, work-related, and client-related subscales. Data were presented as medians and interquartile ranges (IQR). Non-parametric statistical methods were applied. Results. Moderately high burnout levels were observed: median personal burnout, 62.5 (IQR 50.0–75.0); work-related burnout, 67.86 (57.14–78.57); and client-related burnout, 58.33 (50.0–75.0). Female surgeons, younger physicians, and those working in regions close to the front line had significantly higher burnout levels (p < 0.05). Surgical workload was not significantly associated with burnout (p > 0.05), whereas consultation workload showed a weak but statistically significant association with certain burnout indicators. Conclusions. Professional burnout among orthopedic surgeons during wartime is multifactorial and is more strongly associated with organizational and social factors than with surgical workload itself.