Initial self-reported data on sleep and burnout in pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine: an initiative from the Assembly on Sleep and Respiratory Neurobiology of the American Thoracic Society

RationaleHealth worker burnout has reached crisis proportions, threatening workforce sustainability. Limited data exist on the burden of burnout in pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine (PCCSM), a high-demand and strained specialty.ObjectiveAt the Assembly of Sleep and Respiratory Neurobiology of the American Thoracic Society, we aimed to gather exploratory data on burnout in this group.MethodsDuring a dedicated series of five virtual town halls (THs), we polled the audience regarding self-reported burnout. Topics included the scope of the problem, role of sleep, impact on clinical and academic operations, contributors in vulnerable groups, and mitigation strategies.ResultsA high proportion experienced burnout (45%) and 58% considered premature retirement. Insufficient sleep (53%) was common, most often due to excessive workload (57%) curtailing sleep through early morning meetings and electronic medical record (EMR) documentation. 36% also reported having a sleep disorder. Sleepiness (69%) and fatigue (58%) impaired work performance and patient care, and 54% reported a fatigue-related, personal-safety incident. Contributors to burnout in vulnerable communities included bias/discrimination (81%), harassment (44%) and assault (12%). Respondents predominantly endorsed organizational mitigating strategies: promoting a culture of "recovery time" (96%) and healthy sleep (86%), and periodic evaluation and accountability of leadership (86%).ConclusionsIn this convenience sample of participants in a TH series regarding burnout in PCCSM, self-reported burnout was common. Sleep disturbance is a prevalent, under-recognized, but potentially modifiable contributor. The high reported rates of discrimination and harassment suggest that vulnerable groups may be at particular risk. To reduce burnout, system-level interventions aimed at transforming organizational culture and promoting leadership accountability were strongly endorsed.