Attending surgeon burnout and satisfaction with the establishment of a regional acute care surgical service.

Background: Establishment of the Acute Care Surgical Service (ACSS) has dramatically changed the management of acute, nontrauma surgical patients in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Its formation was partially driven by increasing strain on surgeons and surgical services. We sought to determine surgeon level of burnout and satisfaction with the ACSS.
Methods: All Winnipeg ACSS surgeons were mailed surveys. Burnout was established using the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey. Satisfaction was ascertained with a series of questions.
Results: We attained a response rate of 76%. Most surgeons were married men with children. A burnout level of 61% was determined. Although most surgeons felt the ACSS was a positive change in their careers, they felt that operating room accessibility and teaching opportunities were lacking.
Conclusion: Although a high level of burnout exists among ACSS surgeons, most are satisfied with its establishment. Factors such as operating room accessibility and teaching opportunities must be addressed.