Clinical Focus


  • Hematology
  • Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
  • Hairy Cell Leukemia
  • Large Granular Lymphocytic Leukemia (LGL)

Academic Appointments


Administrative Appointments


  • Chief Wellness Officer, Stanford Medicine (2017 - Present)
  • Associate Dean, Stanford School of Medicine (2017 - Present)
  • Jeanie and Stewart Ritchie Professor of Medicine, Stanford University (2017 - Present)

Professional Education


  • Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Hematology (2005)
  • Fellowship: Mayo Graduate School of Medicine (2005) MN
  • Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology (2004)
  • Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine (2001)
  • Residency: University of Washington Medical Center Dept of Medicine (2001) WA
  • Medical Education: University of Colorado Health Science Center (1998) CO

Clinical Trials


  • Assessing the Ability of Combination Treatment With Venetoclax to Permit Time Limited Therapy in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Not Recruiting

    This phase III trial studies how well ibrutinib and obinutuzumab with or without venetoclax work in treating patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Ibrutinib may stop the growth of cancer cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Obinutuzumab is a monoclonal antibody. It binds to a protein called CD20, which is found on B cells (a type of white blood cell) and some types of cancer cells. This may help the immune system kill cancer cells. Venetoclax is in a class of medications called B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) inhibitors. It may stop the growth of cancer cells by blocking Bcl-2, a protein needed for cancer cell survival. Giving ibrutinib, obinutuzumab, and venetoclax may work better than giving ibrutinib and obinutuzumab in treating patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Site Public Contact, 650-498-7061.

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  • Ibrutinib and Rituximab Compared With Fludarabine Phosphate, Cyclophosphamide, and Rituximab in Treating Patients With Untreated Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia or Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma Not Recruiting

    This phase III trial studies ibrutinib and rituximab to see how well they work compared to fludarabine phosphate, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab in treating patients with untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma. Ibrutinib may stop the growth of cancer cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Chemotherapy drugs, such as fludarabine phosphate and cyclophosphamide, work in different ways to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody. It binds to a protein called CD20, which is found on B cells (a type of white blood cell) and some types of cancer cells. This may help the immune system kill cancer cells. It is not yet known whether fludarabine phosphate, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab may work better than ibrutinib and rituximab in treating patients with untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Kevin Morrison, 650-725-5459 (Palo Alto and South Bay locations).

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  • Performance Nutrition for Residents and Fellows Not Recruiting

    Currently, residents commonly experience dehydration and poor nutrition during nighttime duty hours as a result of heavy work load, lack of time to take nutrition and hydration breaks, or limited or no access to healthy food and drinks which may affect residents' work performance. The goal of this study is to compare the effects of two different meal compositions with no typical dietary practices (existing conditions) on work performance of the on-call residents during night shifts.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.

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2020-21 Courses


Stanford Advisees


All Publications


  • Evaluation of Work-Life Integration, Social Isolation, and the Impact of Work on Personal Relationships Among Healthcare CEOs and Administrative Leaders. Journal of healthcare management / American College of Healthcare Executives Shanafelt, T., Trockel, M., Mayer, T., Wang, H., Athey, L. 2024; 69 (2): 99-117

    Abstract

    The objective of this study was to evaluate satisfaction with work-life integration (WLI), social isolation, and the impact of work on personal relationships (IWPR) among senior healthcare operational leaders.Between June 7 and June 30, 2021, we performed a national survey of CEOs and other senior healthcare operational leaders in the United States to evaluate their personal work experience. Satisfaction with WLI, social isolation, and IWPR were assessed using standardized instruments. Burnout and professional fulfillment were also assessed using standardized scales.The mean IWPR score on the 0-10 scale was 4.39 (standard deviation was 2.36; higher scores were unfavorable). On multivariable analysis to identify demographic and professional factors associated with the IWPR score, each additional hour worked per week decreased the likelihood of a favorable IWPR score. The IWPR, feeling isolated, and satisfaction with WLI were independently associated with burnout after adjusting for other personal and professional factors. On multivariable analysis, healthcare administrators were more likely than U.S. workers in other fields to indicate work had adversely impacted personal relationships in response to the item "In the past year, my job has contributed to me feeling more isolated and detached from the people who are most important to me."Experiencing an adverse IWPR is common among U.S. healthcare administrators, who are more likely than the general U.S. working population to indicate their job contributes to isolation and detachment from the people most important to them. Problems with WLI, isolation, and an adverse IWPR are associated with increased burnout and lower professional fulfillment. Intentional efforts by both organizations and administrative leaders are necessary to address the work characteristics and professional norms that erode WLI and result in work adversely impacting personal relationships.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/JHM-D-23-00134

    View details for PubMedID 38467024

  • Artificial Intelligence-Generated Draft Replies to Patient Inbox Messages. JAMA network open Garcia, P., Ma, S. P., Shah, S., Smith, M., Jeong, Y., Devon-Sand, A., Tai-Seale, M., Takazawa, K., Clutter, D., Vogt, K., Lugtu, C., Rojo, M., Lin, S., Shanafelt, T., Pfeffer, M. A., Sharp, C. 2024; 7 (3): e243201

    Abstract

    The emergence and promise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) represent a turning point for health care. Rigorous evaluation of generative AI deployment in clinical practice is needed to inform strategic decision-making.To evaluate the implementation of a large language model used to draft responses to patient messages in the electronic inbox.A 5-week, prospective, single-group quality improvement study was conducted from July 10 through August 13, 2023, at a single academic medical center (Stanford Health Care). All attending physicians, advanced practice practitioners, clinic nurses, and clinical pharmacists from the Divisions of Primary Care and Gastroenterology and Hepatology were enrolled in the pilot.Draft replies to patient portal messages generated by a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant electronic health record-integrated large language model.The primary outcome was AI-generated draft reply utilization as a percentage of total patient message replies. Secondary outcomes included changes in time measures and clinician experience as assessed by survey.A total of 197 clinicians were enrolled in the pilot; 35 clinicians who were prepilot beta users, out of office, or not tied to a specific ambulatory clinic were excluded, leaving 162 clinicians included in the analysis. The survey analysis cohort consisted of 73 participants (45.1%) who completed both the presurvey and postsurvey. In gastroenterology and hepatology, there were 58 physicians and APPs and 10 nurses. In primary care, there were 83 physicians and APPs, 4 nurses, and 8 clinical pharmacists. The mean AI-generated draft response utilization rate across clinicians was 20%. There was no change in reply action time, write time, or read time between the prepilot and pilot periods. There were statistically significant reductions in the 4-item physician task load score derivative (mean [SD], 61.31 [17.23] presurvey vs 47.26 [17.11] postsurvey; paired difference, -13.87; 95% CI, -17.38 to -9.50; P < .001) and work exhaustion scores (mean [SD], 1.95 [0.79] presurvey vs 1.62 [0.68] postsurvey; paired difference, -0.33; 95% CI, -0.50 to -0.17; P < .001).In this quality improvement study of an early implementation of generative AI, there was notable adoption, usability, and improvement in assessments of burden and burnout. There was no improvement in time. Further code-to-bedside testing is needed to guide future development and organizational strategy.

    View details for DOI 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.3201

    View details for PubMedID 38506805

  • Tumor mutational load is prognostic for progression to therapy among high-count monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (HCMBL). Blood advances Kleinstern, G., Boddicker, N. J., O'Brien, D. R., Allmer, C., Rabe, K. G., Norman, A. D., Griffin, R., Yan, H., Ma, T., Call, T. G., Bruins, L., Brown, S., Bonolo de Campos, C., Hanson, C. A., Leis, J. F., Ding, W., Vachon, C. M., Kay, N. E., Oakes, C. C., Parker, A., Brander, D. M., Weinberg, J. B., Furman, R. R., Shanafelt, T. D., Cerhan, J. R., Parikh, S. A., Braggio, E., Slager, S. L. 2024

    Abstract

    HCMBL is a precursor condition to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). We have shown that among individuals with HCMBL the CLL-International Prognostic Index (CLL-IPI) is prognostic for time-to-first therapy (TTFT). Little is known about the prognostic impact of somatically mutated genes among individuals with HCMBL. We sequenced DNA from 371 HCMBL individuals using a targeted sequencing panel of 59 recurrently mutated genes in CLL to identify high-impact mutations. We compared the sequencing results to that of our treatment-naïve CLL cohort(N=855) and employed Cox regression to estimate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations with TTFT. Compared to CLL, the frequencies of any mutated genes were lower in HCMBL (70% versus 52%). At 10-years, 37% of HCMBL individuals with any mutated gene had progressed requiring treatment compared to 10% among HCMBL individuals with no mutations; this led to 5.4-fold shorter TTFT (95%CI:2.6-11.0) among HCMBL with any mutated gene versus none, independent of CLL-IPI. When considering individuals with low-risk of progression according to CLL-IPI, HCMBL individuals with any mutations had 4.3-fold shorter TTFT (95%CI:1.6-11.8) versus those with none. Finally, when considering both CLL-IPI and any mutated gene status, we observed HCMBL individuals who were high-risk for both prognostic factors with worse prognosis compared to low-risk CLL patients (i.e., 5-year progression rate of 32% versus 21%, respectively). Among HCMBL, the frequency of somatically mutated genes at diagnosis is lower than that of CLL. Accounting for both the number of mutated genes and CLL-IPI can identify HCMBL individuals with more aggressive clinical course.

    View details for DOI 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023012242

    View details for PubMedID 38359367

  • Distress and well-being in dentists: performance of a screening tool for assessment. BDJ open Giri, S., West, C. P., Shanafelt, T., Satele, D., Dyrbye, L. N. 2024; 10 (1): 3

    Abstract

    Dentists' well-being is being challenged today by many factors. However, effective screening tools to assess their distress and well-being are yet to be validated. The present study aims to evaluate the ability of the Well-Being Index (WBI) to identify distress and stratify dentists' well-being and their likelihood for adverse professional consequences.A convenience sample of dentists completed a web-based 9-item WBI survey along with other instruments that measured quality of life (QOL), fatigue, burnout, and questions about suicidal ideation, recent dental error, and intent to leave their current job.A total of 597 dentists completed the survey. The overall mean WBI score was 2.3. The mean WBI score was significantly greater in dentists with low QOL than among dentists without low QOL (4.1 vs 1.6, p < 0.001). Dentists with extreme fatigue, burnout, and suicidal ideation had significantly higher mean WBI score than those without distress (all p < 0.001). WBI score stratified the dentists' likelihood of reporting a recent dental error and intent to leave their current job.The WBI may be a useful screening tool to assess well-being among dentists and identify those in distress and at risk for adverse professional consequences.

    View details for DOI 10.1038/s41405-024-00185-9

    View details for PubMedID 38228624

    View details for PubMedCentralID 3963800

  • Prediction of outcomes for high-count monoclonal B lymphocytosis using an epigenetic and immunogenetic signature. Blood Abdelbaky, S., Giacopelli, B., Rabe, K. G., Yamaguchi, K., Wu, Y. Z., Yan, H., Shanafelt, T. D., Parikh, S. A., Ding, W., Hampel, P. J., Brown, S., Cerhan, J. R., Vachon, C. M., Kay, N. E., Hanson, C. A., Parker, A., Braggio, E., Slager, S. L., Oakes, C. C. 2024

    Abstract

    Monoclonal B cell lymphocytosis (MBL) progresses to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) requiring therapy at 1-5%/year. Improved prediction of progression would greatly benefit individuals with MBL. CLL patients separate into three distinct epigenetic subtypes (epitypes) with high prognostic significance, and recently the intermediate epitype has been shown to be enriched for high-risk IGLV3-21 rearrangements, impacting outcomes for these patients. Here we employed this combined strategy to generate the epigenetic and light chain immunoglobulin (ELCLV3-21) signature to classify 219 individuals with MBL. The ELCLV3-21 high-risk signature distinguished MBL individuals with a high probability of progression (39.9% and 71.1% at 5 and 10 years, respectively). ELCLV3-21 improved the accuracy of predicting time to therapy for MBL individuals compared to other established prognostic indicators, including the CLL international prognostic index (c-statistic 0.767 versus 0.668, respectively). Comparing ELCLV3-21 risk groups in MBL versus a cohort of 226 CLL patients revealed ELCLV3-21 high-risk MBL individuals had significantly shorter time to therapy (P=0.003) and reduced OS (P=0.03) compared to ELCLV3-21 low-risk CLL. These results highlight the power of the ELCLV3-21 approach to identify individuals with a higher likelihood of adverse clinical outcome and may provide a more accurate approach to classify individuals with small B-cell clones.

    View details for DOI 10.1182/blood.2023022180

    View details for PubMedID 38194687

  • Vacation Days Taken, Work During Vacation, and Burnout Among US Physicians. JAMA network open Sinsky, C. A., Trockel, M. T., Dyrbye, L. N., Wang, H., Carlasare, L. E., West, C. P., Shanafelt, T. D. 2024; 7 (1): e2351635

    Abstract

    Vacation has been shown to be an important restorative activity in the general population; less is known about physicians' vacation behaviors and their association with burnout and professional fulfillment.To examine the number of vacation days taken per year and the magnitude of physician work while on vacation and their association with physician burnout and professional fulfillment, by individual and organizational characteristics.This cross-sectional survey of US physicians was conducted between November 20, 2020, and March 23, 2021. Data analysis was performed from March to July 2023.Burnout was measured using the Maslach Burnout Index, and professional fulfillment was measured using the Stanford Professional Fulfillment Index. Number of vacation days taken in the last year, time spent working on patient care and other professional tasks per typical vacation day (ie, work on vacation), electronic health record (EHR) inbox coverage while on vacation, barriers to taking vacation, and standard demographics were collected.Among 3024 respondents, 1790 of 3004 (59.6%), took 15 or fewer days of vacation in the last year, with 597 of 3004 (19.9%) taking 5 or fewer days. The majority, 2104 respondents (70.4%), performed patient care-related tasks on vacation, with 988 of 2988 (33.1%) working 30 minutes or more on a typical vacation day. Less than one-half of physicians (1468 of 2991 physicians [49.1%]) reported having full EHR inbox coverage while on vacation. On multivariable analysis adjusting for personal and professional factors, concern about finding someone to cover clinical responsibilities (odds ratio [OR], 0.48 [95% CI, 0.35-0.65] for quite a bit; OR, 0.30 [95% CI, 0.21-0.43] for very much) and financial concerns (OR, 0.49 [95% CI, 0.36-0.66] for quite a bit; OR, 0.38 [95% CI, 0.27-0.54] for very much) were associated with decreased likelihood of taking more than 3 weeks of vacation per year. Taking more than 3 weeks of vacation per year (OR, 0.66 [95% CI, 0.45-0.98] for 16-20 days; OR, 0.59 [95% CI, 0.40-0.86] for >20 days vs none) and having full EHR inbox coverage while on vacation (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.63-0.88) were associated with lower rates of burnout on multivariable analysis, whereas spending 30 minutes or longer per vacation day on patient-related work (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.22-2.04 for 30-60 minutes; OR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.41-2.77 for 60-90 minutes; OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.36-2.73 for >90 minutes) was associated with higher rates of burnout.In this cross-sectional study of 3024 physicians, the number of vacation days taken and performing patient-related work while on vacation were associated with physician burnout. System-level efforts to ensure physicians take adequate vacation and have coverage for clinical responsibilities, including EHR inbox, may reduce physician burnout.

    View details for DOI 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.51635

    View details for PubMedID 38214928

  • Impact of targeted agents on survival of chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients age >65 relative to age- and sex-matched population. American journal of hematology Molica, S., Shanafelt, T. D., Allsup, D., Giannarelli, D. 2023

    Abstract

    Pooled analysis of six mature phase 3 trials (RESONATE2, ILLUMINATE, ALLIANCE041202, ELEVATE-TN, CLL14, and GLOW) evaluating Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKis) and venetoclax-based treatments suggests that these agents have reduced but not completely eliminated the overall survival (OS) gap between elderly chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients and the age and sex-matched general population (AGMGP).

    View details for DOI 10.1002/ajh.27182

    View details for PubMedID 38100222

  • Assessment of Adverse Childhood Experiences, Adverse Professional Experiences, Depression, and Burnout in US Physicians. Mayo Clinic proceedings Trockel, M. T., West, C. P., Dyrbye, L. N., Sinsky, C. A., Tutty, M., Wang, H., Carlasare, L. E., Menon, N. K., Shanafelt, T. D. 2023; 98 (12): 1785-1796

    Abstract

    To assess associations of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and adverse occupational experiences (AOEs) with depression and burnout in US physicians.We performed a secondary analysis of data from a representative sample survey of US physicians conducted between November 20, 2020, and March 23, 2021, and from a probability-based sample of other US workers. The ACEs, AOEs, burnout, and depression were assessed using previously published measures.Analyses included data from 1125 of the 3671 physicians (30.6%) who received a mailed survey and 6235 of 90,000 physicians (6.9%) who received an electronic survey. The proportion of physicians age 29-65 who had lived with a family member with substance misuse during childhood (673 of 5039[13.4%]) was marginally lower (P <.001) than that of workers in other professions (448 of 2505 [17.9%]). The proportion of physicians age 29-65 who experienced childhood emotional abuse (823 of 5038 [16.3%]) was similar to that of workers in other professions (406 of 2508 [16.2%]). The average physician depression T-score was 49.60 (raw score ± SD, 6.48±3.15), similar to the normed US average. The AOEs were associated with mild to severe depression, including making a recent significant medical error (odds ratio [OR], 1.64; 95% CI, 1.33 to 2.02, P<.001), being named in a malpractice suit (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.59, P=.008), and experiencing one or more coronavirus disease 2019-related AOEs (OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.56 to 1.99, P<.001). Having one or more ACEs was associated with mild to severe depression (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.38 to 1.79, P<.001). The ACEs, coronavirus disease 2019-related AOEs, and medical errors were also associated with burnout.Assessing ACEs and AOEs and implementing selective primary prevention interventions may improve population health efforts to mitigate depression and burnout in physicians.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.mayocp.2023.03.021

    View details for PubMedID 38043996

  • Longitudinal Analysis of Patient Reported Quality of Life in Newly Diagnosed Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Stratified By Initial Management Strategy: A Multi-Institutional Prospective Cohort Study Koehler, A., Noble, B. N., Call, T. G., Parikh, S. A., Shanafelt, T. D., Tsang, M., Bommier, C., Rabe, K. G., Strouse, C., Thompson, C., Hampel, P. J., Yost, K., Larson, M. C., Slager, S. L., Link, B. K., Cerhan, J. R., Dueck, A. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2023
  • Mosaic Chromosomal Alterations and Monoclonal B-Cell Lymphocytosis: Relationship and Risk of Hematologic Malignancies Griffin, R., Sekar, A., Parikh, S. A., Genovese, G., Robinson, D. P., Norman, A. D., Olson, J. E., Rabe, K. G., Boddicker, N. J., Hampel, P. J., Kay, N. E., Call, T. G., Cerhan, J. R., Braggio, E., Hanson, C. A., Vachon, C. M., Shanafelt, T. D., Ebert, B. L., Slager, S. L. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2023
  • Targeted Agents in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): Advancements in Overall Survival Outcomes? Molica, S., Shanafelt, T. D., Allsup, D., Giannarelli, D. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2023
  • PD-1 Expression in Lymphoma Cells Mediates Cellular Proliferation By Engaging Phosphatase SHP-1/SHP-2 Sinha, S., Price-Troska, T., Tian, S., Sakemura, R., Yan, H., Boysen, J., Wang, Z., Wu, X., He, R., Shi, M., Wang, Y., Klee, E. W., Parikh, S. A., Hampel, P. J., Call, T. G., Leis, J. F., Shanafelt, T. D., Ansell, S. M., Kenderian, S. S., Kay, N. E., Ding, W. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2023
  • Perceptions of Use of Names, Recognition of Roles, and Teamwork After Labeling Surgical Caps. JAMA network open Wong, B. J., Nassar, A. K., Earley, M., Chen, L., Roman-Micek, T., Wald, S. H., Shanafelt, T. D., Goldhaber-Fiebert, S. N. 2023; 6 (11): e2341182

    Abstract

    Communication failures in perioperative areas are common and have negative outcomes for both patients and clinicians. Names and roles of teammates are difficult to remember or discern contributing to suboptimal communication, yet the utility of labeled surgical caps with names and roles for enhancing perceived teamwork and connection is not well studied.To evaluate the use of labeled surgical caps in name use and role recognition, as well as teamwork and connection, among interprofessional perioperative teammates.In this quality improvement study, caps labeled with names and roles were distributed to 967 interprofessional perioperative clinicians, along with preimplementation and 6-month postimplementation surveys. Conducted between July 8, 2021, and June 25, 2022, at a single large, academic, quaternary health care center in the US, the study comprised surgeons, anesthesiologists, trainees, and all interprofessional hospital staff who work in adult general surgery perioperative areas.Labeled surgical caps were offered cost-free, although not mandatory, to each interested clinician.Quantitative survey of self-reported frequency for name use and role recognition as well as postimplementation sense of teamwork and connection. The surveys also elicited free response comments.Of the 1483 eligible perioperative clinicians, 967 (65%; 387 physicians and 580 nonphysician staff; 58% female) completed preimplementation surveys and received labeled caps, and 243 of these individuals (51% of physicians and 8% of staff) completed postimplementation surveys. Pre-post results were limited to physicians, due to the low postsurvey staff response rate. The odds of participants reporting that they were often called by their name increased after receiving a labeled cap (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 13.37; 95% CI, 8.18-21.86). On postsurveys, participants reported that caps with names and roles substantially improved teamwork (80%) and connection (79%) with teammates. Participants who reported an increased frequency of being called by their name had higher odds for reporting improved teamwork (AOR, 3.46; 95% CI, 1.91-6.26) and connection with teammates (AOR, 3.21; 95% CI, 1.76-5.84). Free response comments supported the quantitative data that labeled caps facilitated knowing teammates' names and roles and fostered a climate of wellness, teamwork, inclusion, and patient safety.The findings of this quality improvement study performed with interprofessional teammates suggest that organizationally sponsored labeled surgical caps was associated with improved teamwork, indicated by increased name use and role recognition in perioperative areas.

    View details for DOI 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.41182

    View details for PubMedID 37976068

  • Regarding Racial and Gender Differences in Medical Student Burnout: A 2021 National Survey. Mayo Clinic proceedings West, C. P., Dyrbye, L. N., Shanafelt, T. D. 2023; 98 (11): 1731

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.mayocp.2023.09.010

    View details for PubMedID 37923533

  • Politicization of Medical Care, Burnout, and Professionally Conflicting Emotions Among Physicians During COVID-19. Mayo Clinic proceedings Sinsky, C. A., Trockel, M., Carlasare, L. E., West, C. P., Wang, H., Tutty, M., Dyrbye, L. N., Shanafelt, T. D. 2023; 98 (11): 1613-1628

    Abstract

    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of politicization of medical care with burnout, professional fulfillment, and professionally conflicting emotions (eg, less empathy, compassion; more anger, frustration, resentment).PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Physicians in select specialties were surveyed between December 2021 and January 2022 using methods similar to our prior studies, with additional assessment of politicization of medical care; moral distress; and having had to compromise professional integrity, workload, and professionally conflicting emotions.RESULTS: In a sample of 2780 physicians in emergency medicine, critical care, noncritical care hospital medicine, and ambulatory care, stress related to politicization of medical care was reported by 91.8% of physicians. On multivariable analysis, compromised integrity (odds ratio [OR], 3.64; 95% CI, 2.31 to 5.98), moral distress (OR, 2.82; 95% CI, 2.16 to 3.68), and feeling more exhausted taking care of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (OR, 3.46; 95% CI, 2.63 to 4.54) were associated with burnout. Compromised integrity, moral distress, and feeling more exhausted taking care of patients with COVID-19 were also statistically significantly associated with lower odds of professional fulfillment and professionally conflicting emotions. Stress related to conversations about non-approved COVID-19 therapies (OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.08 to 2.89), patient resistance to mask wearing (OR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.35 to 2.55), and working more hours due to COVID (OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.49 to 0.89) were associated with professionally conflicting emotions.CONCLUSION: Most physicians experienced intrusion of politics into medical care during the pandemic. These experiences are associated with professionally conflicting emotions, including less compassion and empathy, greater frustration, and resentment. COVID-19-related moral distress and compromised integrity were also associated with less professional fulfillment and greater occupational burnout.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.mayocp.2023.07.007

    View details for PubMedID 37923520

  • Career Plans of US Physicians After the First 2 Years of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Mayo Clinic proceedings Shanafelt, T. D., Dyrbye, L. N., West, C. P., Trockel, M., Tutty, M., Wang, H., Carlasare, L. E., Sinsky, C. A. 2023; 98 (11): 1629-1640

    Abstract

    OBJECTIVE: To assess the career plans of US physicians at the end of 2021 relative to 2011 and2014.METHODS: Physicians in the United States were surveyed from December 9, 2021, to January 24, 2022, using methods similar to prior studies in 2011 and 2014. Responding physicians in active practice (n=1884) were included in the analysis. At all time-points, physicians indicated the likelihood they would (1) reduce clinical work hours in the next 12 months and (2) leave their current practice within 24 months.RESULTS: In 2021, 542 of 1344 (40.3%) indicated that it was "likely" or "definite" they would reduce clinical work hours in the next 12 months compared with 1120 of 6950 (16.1%) and 1275 of 6452 (19.8%) in 2011 and 2014. In 2021, 466 of 1817 (25.6%) indicated it was "likely" or "definite" they would leave their current practice in the next 24 months compared with 1284 of 6975 (18.4%) and 1726 of 6496 (26.6%) in 2011 and 2014. On multivariable analysis pooling responders from 2011, 2014, and 2021, physicians who responded in 2021 had higher odds of reporting intent to reduce clinical work hours compared with those who responded in 2014 (OR, 3.12; 95% CI, 2.73 to 3.57), whereas those responding in 2011 had lower odds relative to 2014 (OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.74 to 0.89).CONCLUSION: Roughly two of every five US physicians intend to reduce their clinical work hours in the next year, more than double previous rates. These findings have potentially profound implications for the adequacy of a US physician workforce already facing substantial shortages.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.mayocp.2023.07.006

    View details for PubMedID 37923521

  • Ibrutinib-based therapy reinvigorates CD8 T cells compared to chemoimmunotherapy: immune-monitoring from the E1912 trial. Blood Papazoglou, D., Wang, V., Shanafelt, T. D., Lesnick, C., Ioannou, N., De Rossi, G., Herter, S., Bacac, M., Klein, C., Tallman, M. S., Kay, N. E., Ramsay, A. G. 2023

    Abstract

    Bruton's tyrosine kinase Inhibitors (BTKis) that target B cell receptor signaling have led to a paradigm shift in CLL treatment. BTKis have been shown to reduce abnormally high CLL-associated T cell counts and the expression of immune checkpoint receptors concomitantly with tumor reduction. However, the impact of BTKi therapy on T cell function has not been fully characterized. Here, we performed longitudinal immunophenotypic and functional analysis of pre- and on-treatment (6- and 12-months) peripheral blood samples from patients in the phase 3 E1912 trial comparing ibrutinib-rituximab to fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab (FCR). Intriguingly, we report that despite reduced overall T cell counts, higher numbers of T cells including effector CD8+ subsets at baseline and at the 6-month time-point associated with no infections and favorable progression-free survival (PFS) in the ibrutinib-rituximab arm. Assays demonstrated enhanced anti-CLL T cell killing function during ibrutinib-rituximab, including a switch from predominantly CD4+ T-cell:CLL immune synapses at baseline to increased CD8+ lytic synapses on-therapy. Conversely, in the FCR arm, higher T cell numbers correlated with adverse clinical responses and showed no functional improvement. We further demonstrate the potential of exploiting rejuvenated T cell cytotoxicity during ibrutinib-rituximab using the bispecific antibody glofitamab - supporting combination immunotherapy approaches.

    View details for DOI 10.1182/blood.2023020554

    View details for PubMedID 37824808

  • Importance of Low- and Moderate-Grade Adverse Events in Patients' Treatment Experience and Treatment Discontinuation: An Analysis of the E1912 Trial. Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology O'Connell, N. S., Zhao, F., Lee, J., Ip, E. H., Peipert, J. D., Graham, N., Smith, M. L., Gareen, I. F., Carlos, R. C., Obeng-Gyasi, S., Sparano, J. A., Shanafelt, T. D., Thomas, M. L., Cella, D., Wagner, L. I., Gray, R. 2023: JCO2300377

    Abstract

    PURPOSE: Despite defined grades of 1 to 5 for adverse events (AEs) on the basis of Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events criteria, mild (G1) and moderate (G2) AEs are often not reported in phase III trials. This under-reporting may inhibit our ability to understand patient toxicity burden. We analyze the relationship between the grades of AEs experienced with patient side-effect bother and treatment discontinuation.METHODS: We analyzed a phase III Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group-American College of Radiology Imaging Network trial with comprehensive AE data. The Likert response Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-GP5 item, "I am bothered by side effects of treatment" was used to define side-effect bother. Bayesian mixed models were used to assess the impact of G1 and G2 AE counts on patient side-effect bother and treatment discontinuation. AEs were further analyzed on the basis of symptomatology (symptomatic or asymptomatic). The results are given as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% credible interval (CrI).RESULTS: Each additional G1 and G2 AEs experienced during a treatment cycle increased the odds of increased self-reported patient side-effect bother by 13% (95% CrI, 1.06 to 1.21) and 35% (95% CrI, 1.19 to 1.54), respectively. Furthermore, only AEs defined as symptomatic were associated with increased side-effect bother, with asymptomatic AEs showing no association regardless of grade. Count of G2 AEs increased the odds of treatment discontinuation by 59% (95% CrI, 1.32 to 1.95), with symptomatic G2 AEs showing a stronger association (OR, 1.75; 95% CrI, 1.28 to 2.39) relative to asymptomatic G2 AEs (OR, 1.45; 95% CrI, 1.12 to 1.89).CONCLUSION: Low- and moderate-grade AEs are related to increased odds of increased patient side-effect bother and treatment discontinuation, with symptomatic AEs demonstrating greater magnitude of association than asymptomatic. Our findings suggest that limiting AE capture to grade 3+ misses important contributors to treatment side-effect bother and discontinuation.

    View details for DOI 10.1200/JCO.23.00377

    View details for PubMedID 37801678

  • The effect of neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage on smoking status, quit attempts, and receipt of cessation support among adults with cancer: Results from nine ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group (EA) trials. Cancer Walter, A. W., Lee, J. W., Streck, J. M., Gareen, I. F., Herman, B. A., Kircher, S. M., Carlos, R. C., Kumar, S. K., Mayer, I. A., Saba, N. F., Fenske, T. S., Neal, J. W., Atkins, M. B., Hodi, F. S., Kyriakopoulos, C. E., Tempany-Afdhal, C. M., Shanafelt, T. D., Wagner, L. I., Land, S. R., Ostroff, J. S., Park, E. R. 2023

    Abstract

    Tobacco use is associated with adverse outcomes among patients diagnosed with cancer. Socioeconomic determinants influence access and utilization of tobacco treatment; little is known about the relationship between neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage (NSD) and tobacco assessment, assistance, and cessation among patients diagnosed with cancer.A modified Cancer Patient Tobacco Use Questionnaire (C-TUQ) was administered to patients enrolled in nine ECOG-ACRIN clinical trials. We examined associations of NSD with (1) smoking status, (2) receiving tobacco cessation assessment and support, and (3) cessation behaviors. NSD was classified by tertiles of the Area Deprivation Index. Associations between NSD and tobacco variables were evaluated using logistic regression.A total of 740 patients completing the C-TUQ were 70% male, 94% White, 3% Hispanic, mean age 58.8 years. Cancer diagnoses included leukemia 263 (36%), lymphoma 141 (19%), prostate 131 (18%), breast 79 (11%), melanoma 69 (9%), myeloma 53 (7%), and head and neck 4 (0.5%). A total of 402 (54%) never smoked, 257 (35%) had formerly smoked, and 81 (11%) were currently smoking. Patients in high disadvantaged neighborhoods were approximately four times more likely to report current smoking (odds ratio [OR], 3.57; 95% CI, 1.69-7.54; p = .0009), and more likely to report being asked about smoking (OR, 4.24; 95% CI, 1.64-10.98; p = .0029), but less likely to report receiving counseling (OR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.02-0.58; p = .0086) versus those in the least disadvantaged neighborhoods.Greater neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage was associated with smoking but less cessation support. Increased cessation support in cancer care is needed, particularly for patients from disadvantaged neighborhoods.

    View details for DOI 10.1002/cncr.35039

    View details for PubMedID 37795845

  • Clinician Well-Being Assessment and Interventions in Joint Commission-Accredited Hospitals and Federally Qualified Health Centers JOINT COMMISSION JOURNAL ON QUALITY AND PATIENT SAFETY Longo, B. A., Schmaltz, S. P., Williams, S. C., Shanafelt, T. D., Sinsky, C. A., Baker, D. W. 2023; 49 (10): 511-520

    Abstract

    Clinician burnout is a longstanding national problem threatening clinician health, patient outcomes, and the health care system. The aim of this study is to determine the proportion of hospitals and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) that are measuring and taking system actions to promote clinician well-being.This cross-sectional study used an electronic questionnaire from April 21 to June 27, 2022, to assess the current state of organizational efforts to assess and address clinician well-being among a national sample of 1,982 Joint Commission-accredited hospitals and 256 accredited FQHCs. Outcomes of interest included the proportion of hospitals and FQHCs that assessed the prevalence of clinician burnout, established a chief wellness officer position, established a wellness committee, made clinician well-being an organizational performance metric, and implemented other activities/interventions that target clinician burnout.A total of 481 (21.5%) organizations responded to the survey (hospital n = 396 [20.0%], FQHC n = 85 [33.2%]). Response rates did not differ by organization size, type, teaching status or urban vs. rural location. Approximately one third (34.0%) of the organizations in the sample conducted an organizational well-being assessment among clinicians at least once in the past three years. Although nearly half of responding organizations reported implementing some kind of intervention to address clinician burnout, only 28.7% of organizations had adopted a comprehensive approach to address clinician well-being/burnout. Only 10.1% of hospitals and 5.4% of FQHCs reported having an established senior leadership position responsible for assessing and promoting clinician well-being at the organization level, and less than half (29.3% FQHCs, 37.6% hospitals) of organizations reported having an established wellness committee. Among 500+ bed hospitals, 61.2% had surveyed, 75.6% had established a well-being committee, 78.0% had implemented interventions to promote clinician well-being, and 26.8% had established a chief wellness officer.Although half of Joint Commission-accredited hospitals and FQHCs reported taking steps to improve clinician well-being, a minority are measuring clinician well-being, and few are taking a comprehensive approach or established a chief wellness officer position to advance clinician well-being as an organizational priority. Organizational clinician well-being improvement efforts are unlikely to be successful without measurement and leadership in place to drive change.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jcjq.2023.04.007

    View details for Web of Science ID 001082566700001

    View details for PubMedID 37248109

  • Correction: Distinct germline genetic susceptibility profiles identified for common non-Hodgkin lymphoma subtypes. Leukemia Berndt, S. I., Vijai, J., Benavente, Y., Camp, N. J., Nieters, A., Wang, Z., Smedby, K. E., Kleinstern, G., Hjalgrim, H., Besson, C., Skibola, C. F., Morton, L. M., Brooks-Wilson, A. R., Teras, L. R., Breeze, C., Arias, J., Adami, H. O., Albanes, D., Anderson, K. C., Ansell, S. M., Bassig, B., Becker, N., Bhatti, P., Birmann, B. M., Boffetta, P., Bracci, P. M., Brennan, P., Brown, E. E., Burdett, L., Cannon-Albright, L. A., Chang, E. T., Chiu, B. C., Chung, C. C., Clavel, J., Cocco, P., Colditz, G., Conde, L., Conti, D. V., Cox, D. G., Curtin, K., Casabonne, D., De Vivo, I., Diepstra, A., Diver, W. R., Dogan, A., Edlund, C. K., Foretova, L., Fraumeni, J. F., Gabbas, A., Ghesquières, H., Giles, G. G., Glaser, S., Glenn, M., Glimelius, B., Gu, J., Habermann, T. M., Haiman, C. A., Haioun, C., Hofmann, J. N., Holford, T. R., Holly, E. A., Hutchinson, A., Izhar, A., Jackson, R. D., Jarrett, R. F., Kaaks, R., Kane, E., Kolonel, L. N., Kong, Y., Kraft, P., Kricker, A., Lake, A., Lan, Q., Lawrence, C., Li, D., Liebow, M., Link, B. K., Magnani, C., Maynadie, M., McKay, J., Melbye, M., Miligi, L., Milne, R. L., Molina, T. J., Monnereau, A., Montalvan, R., North, K. E., Novak, A. J., Onel, K., Purdue, M. P., Rand, K. A., Riboli, E., Riby, J., Roman, E., Salles, G., Sborov, D. W., Severson, R. K., Shanafelt, T. D., Smith, M. T., Smith, A., Song, K. W., Song, L., Southey, M. C., Spinelli, J. J., Staines, A., Stephens, D., Sutherland, H. J., Tkachuk, K., Thompson, C. A., Tilly, H., Tinker, L. F., Travis, R. C., Turner, J., Vachon, C. M., Vajdic, C. M., Van Den Berg, A., Van Den Berg, D. J., Vermeulen, R. C., Vineis, P., Wang, S. S., Weiderpass, E., Weiner, G. J., Weinstein, S., Doo, N. W., Ye, Y., Yeager, M., Yu, K., Zeleniuch-Jacquotte, A., Zhang, Y., Zheng, T., Ziv, E., Sampson, J., Chatterjee, N., Offit, K., Cozen, W., Wu, X., Cerhan, J. R., Chanock, S. J., Slager, S. L., Rothman, N. 2023

    View details for DOI 10.1038/s41375-023-01978-x

    View details for PubMedID 37666943

  • Correction: "The 5th edition of The World Health Organization Classification of Haematolymphoid Tumours: Lymphoid Neoplasms" Leukemia. 2022 Jul;36(7):1720-1748. Leukemia Alaggio, R., Amador, C., Anagnostopoulos, I., Attygalle, A. D., de Oliveira Araujo, I. B., Berti, E., Bhagat, G., Borges, A. M., Boyer, D., Calaminici, M., Chadburn, A., Chan, J. K., Cheuk, W., Chng, W. J., Choi, J. K., Chuang, S. S., Coupland, S. E., Czader, M., Dave, S. S., de Jong, D., Di Napoli, A., Du, M. Q., Elenitoba-Johnson, K. S., Ferry, J., Geyer, J., Gratzinger, D., Guitart, J., Gujral, S., Harris, M., Harrison, C. J., Hartmann, S., Hochhaus, A., Jansen, P. M., Karube, K., Kempf, W., Khoury, J., Kimura, H., Klapper, W., Kovach, A. E., Kumar, S., Lazar, A. J., Lazzi, S., Leoncini, L., Leung, N., Leventaki, V., Li, X. Q., Lim, M. S., Liu, W. P., Louissaint, A., Marcogliese, A., Medeiros, L. J., Michal, M., Miranda, R. N., Mitteldorf, C., Montes-Moreno, S., Morice, W., Nardi, V., Naresh, K. N., Natkunam, Y., Ng, S. B., Oschlies, I., Ott, G., Parrens, M., Pulitzer, M., Rajkumar, S. V., Rawstron, A. C., Rech, K., Rosenwald, A., Said, J., Sarkozy, C., Sayed, S., Saygin, C., Schuh, A., Sewell, W., Siebert, R., Sohani, A. R., Suzuki, R., Tooze, R., Traverse-Glehen, A., Vega, F., Vergier, B., Wechalekar, A. D., Wood, B., Xerri, L., Xiao, W. 2023

    View details for DOI 10.1038/s41375-023-01962-5

    View details for PubMedID 37468552

  • Cigarette and alternative tobacco product use among adult cancer survivors enrolled in 9 ECOG-ACRIN clinical trials. Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention : a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology Streck, J. M., Lee, J., Walter, A. W., Rosen, R. L., Gareen, I. F., Kircher, S. M., Herman, B. A., Carlos, R. C., Kumar, S., Mayer, I. A., Saba, N. F., Fenske, T. S., Neal, J. W., Atkins, M. B., Hodi, F. S., Kyriakopoulos, C. E., Tempany, C., Shanafelt, T. D., Wagner, L. I., Land, S. R., Park, E. R., Ostroff, J. S. 2023

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: While cigarette smoking has declined among the US general population, sale and use of non-cigarette alternative tobacco products (ATPs; e.g., e-cigarettes, cigars) and dual use of cigarettes/ATPs are rising. Little is known about ATP use patterns in cancer survivors enrolled in clinical trials. We investigated prevalence of tobacco product use, and factors associated with past 30-day use, among cancer patients in national trials.METHODS: Cancer survivors (N=756) enrolled in 9 ECOG-ACRIN clinical trials (2017-2021) completed a modified Cancer Patient Tobacco Use Questionnaire (C-TUQ) which assessed baseline cigarette and ATP use since cancer diagnosis and in the past 30-days (30d).RESULTS: Patients were on average 59 years old, 70% male, and the mean time since cancer diagnosis was 26 months. Since diagnosis, cigarettes (21%) were the most common tobacco product used, followed by smokeless tobacco use (5%), cigars (4%), and e-cigarettes (2%). In the past 30d, 12% of patients reported smoking cigarettes, 4% cigars, 4% using smokeless tobacco, and 2% e-cigarettes. Since cancer diagnosis, 5.5% of the sample reported multiple tobacco product use, and 3.0% reported multiple product use in the past 30d. Males (vs. females) (OR 4.33; p=0<.01) and individuals not living with another person who smokes (vs. living with) (OR 8.07; p=0<.01) were more likely to use ATPs only vs. cigarettes only in the past 30d.CONCLUSIONS: Among cancer patients, cigarettes were the most prevalent tobacco product reported.IMPACT: Regardless, ATPs and multiple tobacco product use should be routinely assessed in cancer care settings.

    View details for DOI 10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-23-0420

    View details for PubMedID 37410096

  • Development, Feasibility, and Acceptability of an Oncologist Group Peer Support Program From ASCO's Clinician Well-Being Task Force. JCO oncology practice Hlubocky, F. J., McFarland, D. C., Back, A. L., Friese, C. R., Lyckholm, L., Gallagher, C. M., McGinnis, M., Spence, R., Lynch, L., Tomkins, J., Shanafelt, T., Srivastava, P. 2023: OP2300068

    Abstract

    The COVID-19 pandemic has had deleterious effects on oncologist professional and personal well-being, the optimal delivery of quality cancer care, and the future cancer care workforce, with many departing the field. Hence, the identification of evidence-based approaches to sustain oncologists is essential to promote well-being.We developed a brief, oncologist-centered, virtual group peer support program and tested its feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary impact on well-being. Trained facilitators provided support to peers on the basis of burnout research in oncology with available resources to enhance oncologist resilience. Peers completed pre- and postsurvey assessment of well-being and satisfaction.From April to May 2022, 11 of 15 (73%) oncologists participated in its entirety: mean age 51.1 years (range, 33-70), 55% female, 81.8% Ca, 82% medical oncologists, 63.6% trained ≥15 years, average 30.3 patients/wk (range, 5-60), and 90.9% employed in hospital/health system practice. There was a statistically significant difference in pre- and postintervention well-being (7.0 ± 3.6 v 8.2 ± 3.0, P = .03) with high satisfaction with postgroup experience (9.1 ± 2.5). These quantitative improvements were affirmed by qualitative feedback. These themes included (1) an enhanced understanding of burnout in oncology, (2) shared experience in practice of oncology, and (3) fostering connections with diverse colleagues. Future recommendations proposed included (1) restructuring group format and (2) tailoring groups according to practice setting (academic v community).Preliminary results suggest that a brief, innovative oncologist-tailored group peer support program is feasible, acceptable, and beneficial for enhancing well-being dimensions including burnout, engagement, and satisfaction. Additional study is required to refine program components (optimal timing, format) to support oncologist well-being, now during the pandemic and well into recovery.

    View details for DOI 10.1200/OP.23.00068

    View details for PubMedID 37327462

  • Surgeon wellbeing in the 21st century. The British journal of surgery Marchalik, D., Shanafelt, T. D. 2023

    View details for DOI 10.1093/bjs/znad171

    View details for PubMedID 37300546

  • Risk of incident melanoma among individuals with low-count monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL) Vallejo, B., Ansari, A., Parikh, S., Achenbach, S. J., Rabe, K. G., Norman, A., Olson, J. E., Cerhan, J., Kay, N. E., Vachon, C. M., Braggio, E., Hanson, C. A., Baum, C., Shanafelt, T. D., Slager, S. L. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2023
  • The Threat to the Soul of Interventional Radiology Escalated by COVID-19. Journal of vascular and interventional radiology : JVIR Sarwar, A., Shanafelt, T. D., Sze, D. Y., Jaff, M. R. 2023; 34 (6): 945-949

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jvir.2023.02.022

    View details for PubMedID 37236702

  • Designing and Building a Portfolio of Individual Support Resources for Physicians. Academic medicine : journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges Brazeau, C. M., Trockel, M. T., Swensen, S. J., Shanafelt, T. D. 2023

    Abstract

    As health care organizations in the United States move toward recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, physicians and clinical faculty are experiencing occupational burnout and various manifestations of distress. To mitigate these challenges, health care organizations must optimize the work environment and provide support for individual clinicians using a variety of approaches, including mentoring, group-based peer support, individual peer support, coaching, and psychotherapy. While often conflated, each of these approaches offers distinct benefits. Mentoring is a longitudinal one-on-one relationship, typically focused on career development, usually with an experienced professional guiding a junior professional. Group-based peer support involves regular, longitudinal meetings of health professionals to discuss meaningful topics, provide mutual support to one another, and foster community. Individual peer support involves training peers to provide timely 1-on-1 support for a distressed colleague dealing with adverse clinical events or other professional challenges. Coaching involves a certified professional helping an individual identify their values and priorities and consider changes that would allow them to adhere to these more fully, and providing longitudinal support that fosters accountability for action. Individual psychotherapy is a longitudinal, short- or long-term professional relationship during which specific therapeutic interventions are delivered by a licensed mental health professional. When distress is severe, this is the best approach. Although some overlap exists, these approaches are distinct and complementary. Individuals may use different methods at different career stages and for different challenges. Organizations seeking to address a specific need should consider which approach is most suitable. Over time, a portfolio of offerings is typically needed to holistically address the diverse needs of clinicians. A stepped care model using a population health approach may be a cost-effective way to promote mental health and prevent occupational distress and general psychiatric symptoms.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/ACM.0000000000005276

    View details for PubMedID 37220390

  • Well-Being and Professional Fulfillment in Mohs Surgeons: An Explanatory Sequential Mixed-Method Design Study. Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] Lam, C., Kim, Y., Costigan, H. J., Stuckey, H., Vidimos, A. T., Billingsley, E. M., Albertini, J. G., Miller, J. J., Shanafelt, T. D. 2023

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: There are limited data evaluating specific themes of well-being and professional fulfillment in Mohs surgeons.OBJECTIVE: To identify factors that drive occupational distress and those that promote well-being and professional fulfillment among Mohs surgeons.METHODS: This is an explanatory sequential mixed-method study, using semistructured individual interviews. Common drivers of physician well-being and fulfillment were identified based on the independent assessment of the coding in the interview transcripts.RESULTS: This study reports the following qualitative themes: (1) gratitude for the chosen profession and relationships, (2) unrealistic standards of perfection that may have contributed to past career success but are unattainable and create emotional burden, and (3) ability to practice in a manner aligned with personal values promotes professional fulfillment.CONCLUSION: This study suggests that gratitude, self-compassion, and ability to practice in a manner aligned with personal values promote well-being and professional fulfillment in Mohs surgeons. Notably, we found that unrealistic standards of perfection and personal-organization practice incongruences contribute to burnout.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/DSS.0000000000003801

    View details for PubMedID 37184466

  • At-Risk Work Hours Among U.S. Physicians and Other U.S. Workers. American journal of preventive medicine Shanafelt, T. D., West, C. P., Sinsky, C. A., Trockel, M. T., Tutty, M. A., Wang, H., Carlasare, L. E., Dyrbye, L. N. 2023

    Abstract

    Systematic reviews by the WHO have shown an increased risk of morbidity and mortality related to ischemic heart disease and stroke among individuals working an average of ≥55 hours/week.A cross-sectional survey of U.S. physicians and a probability-based sample of the general U.S. working population (n=2,508) was conducted between November 20, 2020, and February 16, 2021 (data analyzed in 2022). Among 3,617 physicians who received a mailed survey, 1,162 (31.7%) responded; among 90,000 physicians who received an electronic survey, 6,348 (7.1%) responded. Mean weekly work hours were assessed.The mean reported weekly work hours for physicians and U.S. workers in other fields were 50.8 hours and 40.7 hours, respectively (p<0.001). Less than 10% of U.S. workers in other fields (9.2%) reported working ≥55 hours/week compared with 40.7% of physicians. Although work hours decreased among physicians working less than full time, the decrease in work hours was smaller than the reported reduction in professional work effort. Specifically, for physicians who worked between half-time and full-time (i.e., full-time equivalent=50%-99%), work hours decreased by approximately 14% for each 20% reduction in full-time equivalent. On multivariable analysis of physicians and workers in other fields adjusting for age, gender, relationship status, and level of education, individuals with a professional/doctorate degree other than an MD/DO (OR=3.74; 95% CI=2.28, 6.09) and physicians (OR=8.62; 95% CI=6.44, 11.80) were more likely to work ≥55 hours/week.A substantial proportion of physicians have work hours previously shown to be associated with adverse personal health outcomes.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.amepre.2023.03.020

    View details for PubMedID 37178097

  • Relationship among three common hematological premalignant conditions. Leukemia Boddicker, N. J., Parikh, S. A., Norman, A. D., Rabe, K. G., Griffin, R., Call, T. G., Robinson, D. P., Olson, J. E., Dispenzieri, A., Rajkumar, V., Kumar, S., Kay, N. E., Hanson, C. A., Cerhan, J. R., Murray, D., Braggio, E., Shanafelt, T. D., Vachon, C. M., Slager, S. L. 2023

    View details for DOI 10.1038/s41375-023-01914-z

    View details for PubMedID 37147423

  • Occupational Characteristics Associated With Professional Fulfillment and Burnout Among US Physiatrists. American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation Makowski, M. S., Trockel, M., Paganoni, S., Weinstein, S., Verduzco-Gutierrez, M., Kinney, C., Kennedy, D. J., Sliwa, J., Wang, H., Knowlton, T., Stautzenbach, T., Shanafelt, T. D. 2023; 102 (5): 379-388

    Abstract

    Multiple national studies suggest that among physicians, physiatrists are at increased risk for occupational burnout.The aim of the study is to identify characteristics of the work environment associated with professional fulfillment and burnout among US physiatrists.Between May and December 2021, a mixed qualitative and quantitative approach was used to identify factors contributing to professional fulfillment and burnout in physiatrists.Online interviews, focus groups, and survey were conducted.The participants are physiatrists in the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Membership Masterfile.Burnout and professional fulfillment were assessed using the Stanford Professional Fulfillment Index.Individual interviews with 21 physiatrists were conducted to identify domains that contributed to professional fulfillment followed by focus groups for further definition. Based on themes identified, scales were identified or developed to evaluate: control over schedule (6 items, Cronbach α = 0.86); integration of physiatry into patient care (3 items, Cronbach α = 0.71); personal-organizational values alignment (3 items, Cronbach α = 0.90); meaningfulness of physiatrist clinical work (6 items, Cronbach α = 0.90); teamwork and collaboration (3 items, Cronbach α = 0.89). Of 5760 physiatrists contacted in the subsequent national survey, 882 (15.4%) returned surveys (median age, 52 yrs; 46.1% women). Overall, 42.6% (336 of 788) experienced burnout and 30.6% (244 of 798) had high levels of professional fulfillment. In multivariable analysis, each one-point improvement in control over schedule (odds ratio = 1.96; 95% confidence interval = 1.45-2.69), integration of physiatry into patient care (odds ratio = 1.77; 95% confidence interval = 1.32-2.38), personal-organizational values alignment (odds ratio = 1.92; 95% confidence interval = 1.48-2.52), meaningfulness of physiatrist clinical work (odds ratio = 2.79; 95% confidence interval = 1.71-4.71), and teamwork and collaboration score (odds ratio = 2.11; 95% confidence interval = 1.48-3.03) was independently associated with higher likelihood of professional fulfillment.Control over schedule, optimal integration of physiatry into clinical care, personal-organizational values alignment, teamwork, and meaningfulness of physiatrist clinical work are strong and independent drivers of occupational well-being in US physiatrists. Variation in these domains by practice setting and subspecialty suggests that tailored approaches are needed to promote professional fulfillment and reduce burnout among US physiatrists.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/PHM.0000000000002216

    View details for PubMedID 37076955

  • Perspectives on the Intersection of Electronic Health Records and Health Care Team Communication, Function, and Well-being. JAMA network open Amano, A., Brown-Johnson, C. G., Winget, M., Sinha, A., Shah, S., Sinsky, C. A., Sharp, C., Shanafelt, T., Skeff, K. 2023; 6 (5): e2313178

    Abstract

    Understanding of the interplay between the electronic health record (EHR), health care team relations, and physician well-being is currently lacking. Approaches to cultivate interpersonal interactions may be necessary to complement advancements in health information technology with high-quality team function.To examine ways in which the EHR, health care team functioning, and physician well-being intersect and interact.Secondary qualitative analysis of semistructured interview data from 2 studies used keyword-in-context approaches to identify excerpts related to teams. Thematic analysis was conducted using pattern coding, then organized using the relationship-centered organization model. Two health care organizations in California from March 16 to October 13, 2017, and February 28 to April 21, 2022, participated, with respondents including attending and resident physicians.Across data sets, themes centered around the interactions between the EHR, health care team functioning, and physician well-being. The first study data focused on EHR-related distressing events and their role in attending physician and resident physician emotions and actions. The second study focused on EHR use and daily EHR irritants.The 73 respondents included attending physicians (53 [73%]) and resident physicians (20 [27%]). Demographic data were not collected. Participants worked in ambulatory specialties (33 [45%]), hospital medicine (10 [14%]), and surgery (10 [14%]). The EHR was reported to be the dominant communication modality among all teams. Interviewees indicated that the EHR facilitates task-related communication and is well suited to completing simple, uncomplicated tasks. However, EHR-based communication limited the rich communication and social connection required for building relationships and navigating conflict. The EHR was found to negatively impact team function by promoting disagreement and introducing areas of conflict into team relationships related to medical-legal pressures, role confusion, and undefined norms around EHR-related communication. In addition, interviewees expressed that physician EHR-related distress affects interactions within the team, eroding team well-being.In this study, the EHR supported task-oriented and efficient communication among team members to get work done and care for patients; however, participants felt that the technology shifts attention away from the human needs of the care team that are necessary for developing relationships, building trust, and resolving conflicts. Interventions to cultivate interpersonal interactions and team function are necessary to complement the efficiency benefits of health information technology.

    View details for DOI 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.13178

    View details for PubMedID 37171816

  • Job Strain, Burnout, and Suicidal Ideation in Tenured University Hospital Faculty Staff in France in 2021. JAMA network open Dres, M., Copin, M., Cariou, A., Mathonnet, M., Gaillard, R., Shanafelt, T., Riou, B., Darmon, M., Azoulay, E. 2023; 6 (3): e233652

    Abstract

    Importance: The ability to attract and retain university hospital faculty staff is in jeopardy because of the high levels of mental symptoms in this professional group.Objective: To examine the prevalence and determinants of symptoms of severe burnout, job strain, and suicidal ideation in tenured associate and full professors in university hospitals.Design, Setting, and Participants: This nationwide cross-sectional study offered online surveys to 5332 tenured university hospital faculty members in France from October 25, 2021, to December 20, 2021.Exposures: Burnout and job strain.Main Outcomes and Measures: Participants completed the 22-item Maslach Burnout Inventory and a 12-item job strain assessment tool, reported suicidal ideation, and used visual analog scales to evaluate unidimensional parameters. The primary outcome was presence of severe burnout symptoms. Factors associated with mental health symptoms were identified by multivariable logistic regression.Results: Completed questionnaires were returned by 2390 of 5332 faculty members (response rate, 45%; range, 43%-46%). Tenured associate professors were a median of 40 (IQR, 37-45) years old with a sex ratio of 1:1, whereas tenured full professors were a median of 53 (IQR, 46-60) years old with a sex ratio of 1:5. Of 2390 respondents, 952 (40%) reported symptoms of severe burnout. Symptoms of job strain (296 professors [12%]) and suicidal ideation (343 professors [14%]) were also reported. Compared with full professors, significantly more associate professors reported feeling overwhelmed at work (496 [73%] vs 972 [57%]; P<.001), considering resignation (365 [54%] vs 834 [49%]; P=.004), or considering a career change (277 [41%] vs 496 [29%]; P<.001). Factors independently associated with less burnout were a longer time being a professor (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.97; 95% CI, 0.96-0.98 per year of age), sleeping well (aOR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.83-0.92), feeling valued by colleagues (aOR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.86-0.95 per visual analog scale point) or the public (aOR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.88-0.96 per visual analog scale point), and accepting more tasks (aOR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.72-0.93). Factors independently associated with more burnout were having a nonclinical position (OR, 2.48; 95% CI, 1.96-3.16), reporting work encroachment on private life (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.10-1.25), feeling the need to constantly put on a brave face (OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.32-2.52), considering a career change (OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.22-1.92), and having experienced harassment (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.22-1.88).Conclusions and Relevance: These findings suggest that the psychological burden on tenured university hospital faculty staff in France is considerable. Hospital administrators and health care authorities should urgently develop strategies for burden prevention and alleviation and for attraction of the next generation.

    View details for DOI 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.3652

    View details for PubMedID 36976563

  • Funding Research on Health Workforce Well-being to Optimize the Work Environment. JAMA Melnick, E. R., Sinsky, C. A., Shanafelt, T. 2023

    Abstract

    This Viewpoint discusses the need for public funding for research that supports health workforce well-being and addresses occupational burnout among health care practitioners.

    View details for DOI 10.1001/jama.2023.2073

    View details for PubMedID 36821127

  • Occupational Characteristics Associated with Professional Fulfillment and Burnout Among U.S. Physiatrists. PM & R : the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitation Makowski, M. S., Trockel, M., Paganoni, S., Weinstein, S., Verduzco-Guiterrez, M., Kinney, C., Kennedy, D. J., Sliwa, J., Wang, H., Knowlton, T., Stautzenbach, T., Shanafelt, T. 2023

    Abstract

    Multiple national studies suggest that, among physicians, physiatrists are at increased risk for occupational burnout.Identify characteristics of the work environment associated with professional fulfillment and burnout among U.S. physiatrists.Between May and December 2021, a mixed qualitative and quantitative approach was used to identify factors contributing to professional fulfillment and burnout in physiatrists.Online interviews, focus groups, and survey PARTICIPANTS: physiatrists in the AAPM&R Membership Masterfile MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Burnout and professional fulfillment assessed using the Stanford Professional Fulfillment Index RESULTS: Individual interviews with 21 physiatrists were conducted to identify domains that contributed to professional fulfillment followed by focus groups for further definition. Based on themes identified, scales were identified or developed to evaluate: control over schedule (6 items; Cronbach's alpha=0.86); integration of physiatry into patient care (3 items; Cronbach's alpha=0.71); personal-organizational values alignment (3 items; Cronbach's alpha=0.90); meaningfulness of physiatrist clinical work (6 items; Cronbach's alpha=0.90); teamwork and collaboration (3 items; Cronbach's alpha=0.89). Of 5760 physiatrists contacted in the subsequent national survey, 882 (15.3%) returned surveys (median age 52 years; 46.1% women). Overall, 42.6% (336 or 788) experienced burnout and 30.6% (224 of 798) had high levels of professional fulfillment. In multivariable analysis, each one-point improvement in control over schedule (OR=2.00; 95%CI=1.45-2.69), integration of physiatry into patient care (OR=1.77; 95%CI=1.32-2.38), personal-organizational-values alignment (OR=1.92; 95%CI=1.48-2.52), meaningfulness of physiatrist clinical work (OR=2.79; 95%CI=1.71-4.71) and teamwork and collaboration score (OR=2.11; 95%CI=1.48-3.03) was independently associated with higher likelihood of professional fulfillment.Control over schedule, optimal integration of physiatry into clinical care, personal-organizational values alignment, teamwork, and meaningfulness of physiatrist clinical work are strong and independent drivers of occupational well-being in U.S. physiatrists. Variation in these domains by practice setting and sub-specialty suggests tailored approaches are needed to promote professional fulfillment and reduce burnout among US physiatrists.

    View details for DOI 10.1002/pmrj.12961

    View details for PubMedID 36794660

  • Creating Conversion Factors from EHR Event Log Data: A Comparison of Investigator-Derived and Vendor-Derived Metrics for Primary Care Physicians. AMIA ... Annual Symposium proceedings. AMIA Symposium Magon, H. S., Helkey, D., Shanafelt, T., Tawfik, D. 2023; 2023: 1115-1124

    Abstract

    Physicians spend a large amount of time with the electronic health record (EHR), which the majority believe contributes to their burnout. However, there are limitedstandardized measures of physician EHR time. Vendor-derived metrics are standardized but may underestimate real-world EHR experience. Investigator-derived metrics may be more reliable but not standardized, particularly with regard to timeout thresholds defining inactivity. This study aimed to enable standardized investigator-derived metrics using conversion factors between raw event log-derived metrics and Signal (Epic System's standardized metric) for primary care physicians. This was an observational, retrospective longitudinal study of EHR raw event logs and Signal data from a quaternary academic medical center and its community affiliates in California, over a 6-month period. The study evaluated 242 physicians over 1370 physician-months, comparing 53.7 million event logs to 6850 Signal metrics, in five different time based metrics. Results show that inactivity thresholds for event log metric derivation that most closely approximate Signal metrics ranged from 90 seconds (Visit Navigator) to 360 seconds ("Pajama time") depending on the metric. Based on this data, conversion factors for investigator-derived metrics across a wide range of inactivity thresholds, via comparison with Signal metrics, are provided which may allow researchers to consistently quantify EHR experience.

    View details for PubMedID 38222350

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC10785859

  • Invited Commentary: Surgeon Wellness Must Become Our Collective Priority. Journal of the American College of Surgeons Brandt, M. L., O'Neill, P. J., Shanafelt, T. D., Balch, C. M., Turner, P. L., McCann, K., Mohan, J. E. 2023; 236 (1): 265-268

    View details for DOI 10.1097/XCS.0000000000000453

    View details for PubMedID 36519922

  • Organization-Wide Approaches to Foster Effective Unit-Level Efforts to Improve Clinician Well-Being. Mayo Clinic proceedings Shanafelt, T. D., Larson, D., Bohman, B., Roberts, R., Trockel, M., Weinlander, E., Springer, J., Wang, H., Stolz, S., Murphy, D. 2023; 98 (1): 163-180

    Abstract

    Health care delivery organizations are positioned to have a tremendous impact on addressing the variables in the practice environment that contribute to occupational distress and that, when optimized, can promote clinician well-being. Many organizations are committed to this work and have clarity on how to address general, system-wide issues and provide resources for individual clinicians. While such top of the organization elements are essential for success, many of the specific improvement efforts that are necessary must address local challenges at the work unit level (department, division, hospital ward, clinic). Uncertainty of how to address variability and the unique needs of different work units is a barrier to effective action for many health care delivery systems. Overcoming this challenge requires organizations to recognize that unit-specific improvement efforts require a system-level approach. In this manuscript, we outline 7 steps for organizations to consider as they establish the infrastructure to improve professional well-being and provide a description of application and evidence of efficacy from a large academic medical center. Such unit-level efforts to address the unique needs of each specialty and occupation at the work unit level have the ability to address many of the day-to-day issues that drive clinician well-being. An enterprise approach is necessary to systematically advance such unit-level action.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.mayocp.2022.10.031

    View details for PubMedID 36603944

  • IMPACT: Evaluation of a Controlled Organizational Intervention Using Influential Peers to Promote Professional Fulfillment. Mayo Clinic proceedings Trockel, M. T., Menon, N. K., Makowski, M. S., Wen, L. Y., Roberts, R., Bohman, B. D., Shanafelt, T. D. 2022

    Abstract

    To determine the effects of a popular opinion leader (POL)-led organizational intervention targeting all physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs) working within clinic groups on professional fulfillment (primary outcome), gratitude, burnout, self-valuation, and turnover intent.All 20 Stanford University HealthCare Alliance clinics with ≥5 physicians-APPs were matched by size and baseline gratitude scores and randomly assigned to immediate or delayed intervention (control). Between July 10, 2018, and March 15, 2019, trained POLs and a physician-PhD study investigator facilitated 4 interactive breakfast or lunch workshops at intervention clinics, where colleagues were invited to discuss and experience one evidence-based practice (gratitude, mindfulness, cognitive, and behavioral strategies). Participants in both groups completed incentivized annual assessments of professional fulfillment, workplace gratitude, burnout, self-valuation, and intent to leave as part of ongoing organizational program evaluation.Eighty-four (75%) physicians-APPs at intervention clinics attended at least 1 workshop. Of all physicians-APPs, 236 of 251 (94%) completed assessments in 2018 and 254 of 263 (97%) in 2019. Of 264 physicians-APPs with 2018 or 2019 assessment data, 222 (84%) had completed 2017 assessments. Modal characteristics were 60% female, 46% White, 49% aged 40 to 59 years, 44% practicing family-internal medicine, 78% living with partners, and 53% with children. Change in professional fulfillment by 2019 relative to average 2017 to 2018 levels was more favorable (0.63 points; effect size = 0.35; P=.001) as were changes in gratitude and intent to leave among clinicians practicing at intervention clinics.Interventions led by respected physicians-APPs can achieve high participation rates and have potential to promote well-being among their colleagues.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.mayocp.2022.06.035

    View details for PubMedID 36464536

  • The risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among individuals with monoclonal B cell lymphocytosis. Blood cancer journal Parikh, S. A., Achenbach, S. J., Rabe, K. G., Norman, A. D., Boddicker, N. J., Olson, J. E., Call, T. G., Cerhan, J. R., Vachon, C. M., Kay, N. E., Braggio, E., Hanson, C. A., Slager, S. L., Shanafelt, T. D. 2022; 12 (11): 159

    View details for DOI 10.1038/s41408-022-00754-x

    View details for PubMedID 36418344

  • Distinct germline genetic susceptibility profiles identified for common non-Hodgkin lymphoma subtypes. Leukemia Berndt, S. I., Vijai, J., Benavente, Y., Camp, N. J., Nieters, A., Wang, Z., Smedby, K. E., Kleinstern, G., Hjalgrim, H., Besson, C., Skibola, C. F., Morton, L. M., Brooks-Wilson, A. R., Teras, L. R., Breeze, C., Arias, J., Adami, H., Albanes, D., Anderson, K. C., Ansell, S. M., Bassig, B., Becker, N., Bhatti, P., Birmann, B. M., Boffetta, P., Bracci, P. M., Brennan, P., Brown, E. E., Burdett, L., Cannon-Albright, L. A., Chang, E. T., Chiu, B. C., Chung, C. C., Clavel, J., Cocco, P., Colditz, G., Conde, L., Conti, D. V., Cox, D. G., Curtin, K., Casabonne, D., De Vivo, I., Diver, W. R., Dogan, A., Edlund, C. K., Foretova, L., Fraumeni, J. F., Gabbas, A., Ghesquieres, H., Giles, G. G., Glaser, S., Glenn, M., Glimelius, B., Gu, J., Habermann, T. M., Haiman, C. A., Haioun, C., Hofmann, J. N., Holford, T. R., Holly, E. A., Hutchinson, A., Izhar, A., Jackson, R. D., Jarrett, R. F., Kaaks, R., Kane, E., Kolonel, L. N., Kong, Y., Kraft, P., Kricker, A., Lake, A., Lan, Q., Lawrence, C., Li, D., Liebow, M., Link, B. K., Magnani, C., Maynadie, M., McKay, J., Melbye, M., Miligi, L., Milne, R. L., Molina, T. J., Monnereau, A., Montalvan, R., North, K. E., Novak, A. J., Onel, K., Purdue, M. P., Rand, K. A., Riboli, E., Riby, J., Roman, E., Salles, G., Sborov, D. W., Severson, R. K., Shanafelt, T. D., Smith, M. T., Smith, A., Song, K. W., Song, L., Southey, M. C., Spinelli, J. J., Staines, A., Stephens, D., Sutherland, H. J., Tkachuk, K., Thompson, C. A., Tilly, H., Tinker, L. F., Travis, R. C., Turner, J., Vachon, C. M., Vajdic, C. M., Van Den Berg, A., Van Den Berg, D. J., Vermeulen, R. C., Vineis, P., Wang, S. S., Weiderpass, E., Weiner, G. J., Weinstein, S., Doo, N. W., Ye, Y., Yeager, M., Yu, K., Zeleniuch-Jacquotte, A., Zhang, Y., Zheng, T., Ziv, E., Sampson, J., Chatterjee, N., Offit, K., Cozen, W., Wu, X., Cerhan, J. R., Chanock, S. J., Slager, S. L., Rothman, N. 2022

    Abstract

    Lymphoma risk is elevated for relatives with common non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) subtypes, suggesting shared genetic susceptibility across subtypes. To evaluate the extent of mutual heritability among NHL subtypes and discover novel loci shared among subtypes, we analyzed data from eight genome-wide association studies within the InterLymph Consortium, including 10,629 cases and 9505 controls. We utilized Association analysis based on SubSETs (ASSET) to discover loci for subsets of NHL subtypes and evaluated shared heritability across the genome using Genome-wide Complex Trait Analysis (GCTA) and polygenic risk scores. We discovered 17 genome-wide significant loci (P<5*10-8) for subsets of NHL subtypes, including a novel locus at 10q23.33 (HHEX) (P=3.27*10-9). Most subset associations were driven primarily by only one subtype. Genome-wide genetic correlations between pairs of subtypes varied broadly from 0.20 to 0.86, suggesting substantial heterogeneity in the extent of shared heritability among subtypes. Polygenic risk score analyses of established loci for different lymphoid malignancies identified strong associations with some NHL subtypes (P<5*10-8), but weak or null associations with others. Although our analyses suggest partially shared heritability and biological pathways, they reveal substantial heterogeneity among NHL subtypes with each having its own distinct germline genetic architecture.

    View details for DOI 10.1038/s41375-022-01711-0

    View details for PubMedID 36273105

  • Radical Reorientation of the US Health Care System Around Relationships: Rebalancing the Transactional Model. Mayo Clinic proceedings Sinsky, C. A., Shanafelt, T. D., Ristow, A. M. 2022

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.mayocp.2022.08.003

    View details for PubMedID 36207152

  • Changes in Burnout and Satisfaction With Work-Life Integration in Physicians During the First 2 Years of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Mayo Clinic proceedings Shanafelt, T. D., West, C. P., Dyrbye, L. N., Trockel, M., Tutty, M., Wang, H., Carlasare, L. E., Sinsky, C. 2022

    Abstract

    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of burnout and satisfaction with work-life integration (WLI) in US physicians at the end of 2021, roughly 21 months into the COVID-19 pandemic, with comparison to 2020, 2017, 2014, and2011.METHODS: Between December 9, 2021, and January 24, 2022, we surveyed US physicians using methods similar to those of our prior studies. Burnout, WLI, depression, and professional fulfillment were assessed with standard instruments.RESULTS: There were 2440 physicians who participated in the 2021 survey. Mean emotional exhaustion and depersonalization scores were higher in 2021 than those observed in 2020, 2017, 2014, and 2011 (all P<.001). Mean emotional exhaustion scores increased 38.6% (2020 mean, 21.0; 2021 mean, 29.1; P<.001), whereas mean depersonalization scores increased 60.7% (2020 mean, 6.1; 2021 mean, 9.8; P<.001). Overall, 62.8% of physicians had at least 1 manifestation of burnout in 2021 compared with 38.2% in 2020, 43.9% in 2017, 54.4% in 2014, and 45.5% in 2011 (all P<.001). Although these trends were consistent across nearly all specialties, substantial variability by specialty was observed. Satisfaction with WLI declined from 46.1% in 2020 to 30.2% in 2021 (P<.001). Mean scores for depression increased 6.1% (2020 mean, 49.54; 2021 mean, 52.59; P<.001).CONCLUSION: A dramatic increase in burnout and decrease in satisfaction with WLI occurred in US physicians between 2020 and 2021. Differences in mean depression scores were modest, suggesting that the increase in physician distress was overwhelmingly work related. Given the association of physician burnout with quality of care, turnover, and reductions in work effort, these findings have profound implications for the US health care system.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.mayocp.2022.09.002

    View details for PubMedID 36229269

  • Assessment of the Relationship Between an Adverse Impact of Work on Physicians' Personal Relationships and Unsolicited Patient Complaints. Mayo Clinic proceedings Trockel, J., Bohman, B., Wang, H., Cooper, W., Welle, D., Shanafelt, T. D. 2022; 97 (9): 1680-1691

    Abstract

    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between an adverse impact of work on physicians' personal relationships and unsolicited patient complaints about physician behavior - a well-established indicator of patient care quality.PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: We paired data from a physician wellness survey collected in April and May 2013 with longitudinal unsolicited patient complaint data collected independently from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2016. Unsolicited patient complaints were used to calculate the Patient Advocacy Reporting System (PARS) score, an established predictor of clinical outcomes and malpractice suits. The primary outcome was PARS score tercile. Ordinal logistic regression mixed effects models were used to assess the association between the impact of work on a physician's personal relationships and PARS scores.RESULTS: Of 2384 physicians eligible to participate, 831 (34.9%) returned surveys including 429 (51.6%) who consented for their survey responses to be linked to independent data and had associated PARS scores. In a multivariate model adjusting for gender and specialty category, each 1-point higher impact of work on personal relationships score (0-10 scale; higher score unfavorable) was associated with a 19% greater odds of being in the next higher PARS score tercile of unsolicited patient complaints (odds ratio, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.07-1.33) during the subsequent 4-year study period.CONCLUSION: An adverse impact of work on physicians' personal relationships is associated with independently assessed, unsolicited patient complaints. Organizational efforts to mitigate an adverse impact of work on physicians' personal relationships are warranted as part of efforts to improve the quality of patient experience and malpractice risk.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.mayocp.2022.03.005

    View details for PubMedID 36058580

  • Imposter Phenomenon in US Physicians Relative to the US Working Population. Mayo Clinic proceedings Shanafelt, T. D., Dyrbye, L. N., Sinsky, C., Trockel, M., Makowski, M. S., Tutty, M., Wang, H., Carlasare, L. E., West, C. P. 2022

    Abstract

    OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of imposter phenomenon (IP) experiences among physicians and evaluate their relationship to personal and professional characteristics, professional fulfillment, burnout, and suicidal ideation.PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Between November 20, 2020, and February 16, 2021, we surveyed US physicians and a probability-based sample of the US working population. Imposter phenomenon was measured using a 4-item version of the Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale. Burnout and professional fulfillment were measured using standardized instruments.RESULTS: Among the 3237 physician responders invited to complete the subsurvey including the IP scale, 3116 completed the IP questions. Between 4% (133) and 10% (308) of the 3116 physicians endorsed each of the 4 IP items as a "very true" characterization of their experience. Relative to those with a low IP score, the odds ratio for burnout among those with moderate, frequent, and intense IP was 1.28 (95% CI, 1.04 to 1.58), 1.79 (95% CI, 1.38 to 2.32), and 2.13 (95% CI, 1.43 to 3.19), respectively. A similar association between IP and suicidal ideation was observed. On multivariable analysis, physicians endorsed greater intensity of IP than workers in other fields in response to the item, "I am disappointed at times in my present accomplishments and think I should have accomplished more."CONCLUSION: Imposter phenomenon experiences are common among US physicians, and physicians have more frequent experiences of disappointment in accomplishments than workers in other fields. Imposter phenomenon experiences are associated with increased burnout and suicidal ideation and lower professional fulfillment. Systematic efforts to address the professional norms and perfectionistic attitudes that contribute to this phenomenon are necessary.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.mayocp.2022.06.021

    View details for PubMedID 36116974

  • Supporting Peer Supporters JOINT COMMISSION JOURNAL ON QUALITY AND PATIENT SAFETY Shanafelt, T., Sandborg, C. 2022; 48 (9): 427-429

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jcjq.2022.05.001

    View details for Web of Science ID 000861395300002

    View details for PubMedID 35842285

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC9101698

  • The Electronic Health Record Inbox: Recommendations for Relief. Journal of general internal medicine Sinsky, C. A., Shanafelt, T. D., Ripp, J. A. 2022

    View details for DOI 10.1007/s11606-022-07766-0

    View details for PubMedID 36036837

  • Assessing Professional Fulfillment and Burnout Among CEOs and Other Healthcare Administrative Leaders in the United States. Journal of healthcare management / American College of Healthcare Executives Shanafelt, T., Trockel, M., Wang, H., Mayer, T., Athey, L. 2022

    Abstract

    GOAL: The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of burnout and professional fulfillment among healthcare administrative leaders and examine the association between burnout and professional fulfillment and personal and professional characteristics.METHODS: Between June 7 and June 30, 2021, we performed a national survey of CEOs and other senior operational leaders to evaluate their personal work experience. Burnout and professional fulfillment-as well as a sleep-related impairment and self-valuation-were assessed using standardized instruments.PRINCIPLE FINDINGS: Of the 5,994 members of the American College of Healthcare Executives who were sent an invitation to participate, 1,269 (21.2%), including 279 CEOs, submitted usable responses. The mean overall burnout score was 2.71 (range: 0-10), and 33% of participants had burnout scores that fell in the high range (unfavorable). Mean professional fulfillment score was 7.29 (range: 0-10), with 56.6% scoring in the high range (favorable). Burnout and professional fulfillment scores varied by role. On multivariable analysis, sleep-related impairment (OR for each 1-point increase = 1.29, 95% CI [1.19-1.41]; p < .001) and self-valuation (OR for each 1-point increase = 0.63, 95% CI [0.57-0.68]; p < .001) were independently associated with burnout after adjusting for all other variables.APPLICATIONS TO PRACTICE: Results of this study suggest that healthcare leaders had lower burnout and professional fulfillment scores than clinicians. Nonetheless, one-third of healthcare leaders had burnout scores that fell in the high range. At the individual level, sleep health and self-valuation appear to reduce risk of burnout and promote professional fulfillment.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/JHM-D-22-00012

    View details for PubMedID 35984407

  • Progression and Survival of Monoclonal B-cell Lymphocytosis (MBL): A screening study of 10,139 individuals. Blood Slager, S. L., Parikh, S. A., Achenbach, S. J., Norman, A. D., Rabe, K. G., Boddicker, N. J., Olson, J. E., Kleinstern, G., Lesnick, C., Call, T. G., Cerhan, J. R., Vachon, C. M., Kay, N. E., Braggio, E., Hanson, C. A., Shanafelt, T. D. 2022

    Abstract

    MBL is a common hematological pre-malignant condition that is understudied in screening cohorts. MBL can be classified into low-count (LC-) and high-count (HC-) based on the size of the B-cell clone. Using the Mayo Clinic Biobank, we screened for MBL and evaluated its association with future hematologic malignancy and overall survival (OS). We had a two-stage study design: Discovery and Validation cohorts. We screened for MBL using an eight-color flow-cytometry assay. Medical records were abstracted for hematological cancers and death. We used Cox regression to evaluate associations and estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusting for age and sex. We identified 1,712 (17%) individuals with MBL (95% LC-MBL), and the median follow-up time for OS was 34.4 months with 621 individuals who died. We did not observe an association with OS among individuals with LC-MBL (P=0.78) but did among HC-MBL (HR=1.8;95%CI:1.1-3.1,P=0.03). Among the Discovery cohort with a median of 10.0 years follow-up, 31 individuals developed hematological cancers with two-thirds being lymphoid malignancies. MBL was associated with 3.6-fold risk of hematological cancer compared to controls (95%CI:1.7-7.7,P<0.001) and 7.7-fold increased risk for lymphoid malignancies (95%CI:3.1-19.2,P<0.001). LC-MBL was associated with 4.3-fold risk of lymphoid malignancies (95%CI:1.4-12.7,P=0.009); HC-MBL had a 74-fold increased risk (95%CI:22-246,P<0.001). In this large screening cohort, we observed similar survival among individuals with and without LC-MBL, yet individuals with LC-MBL have a 4-fold increased risk of lymphoid malignancies. Accumulating evidence indicates that there are clinical consequences to LC-MBL, a condition that affects 8-10 million adults in the United States.

    View details for DOI 10.1182/blood.2022016279

    View details for PubMedID 35969843

  • Long-term outcomes for ibrutinib-rituximab and chemoimmunotherapy in CLL: updated results of the E1912 trial BLOOD Shanafelt, T. D., Wang, X., Hanson, C. A., Paietta, E. M., O'Brien, S., Barrientos, J., Jelinek, D. F., Braggio, E., Leis, J. F., Zhang, C., Coutre, S. E., Barr, P. M., Cashen, A. F., Mato, A. R., Singh, A. K., Mullane, M. P., Little, R. F., Erba, H., Stone, R. M., Litzow, M., Tallman, M., Kay, N. E. 2022; 140 (2): 112-120
  • Incidence of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in a large screening cohort of monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL). Ansari, A., Achenbach, S. J., Parikh, S. A., Kleinstern, G., Norman, A. D., Rabe, K. G., Lesnick, C. E., Call, T. G., Olson, J. E., Cerhan, J. R., Kay, N. E., Vachon, C. M., Braggio, E., Hanson, C. A., Shanafelt, T. D., Baum, C. L., Slager, S. L. AMER ASSOC CANCER RESEARCH. 2022
  • Incidence of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in a large screening cohort of monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL) Ansari, A., Achenbach, S. J., Parikh, S. A., Kleinstern, G., Norman, A. D., Rabe, K. G., Lesnick, C. E., Call, T. G., Olson, J. E., Cerhan, J. R., Kay, N. E., Vachon, C. M., Braggio, E., Hanson, C. A., Shanafelt, T. D., Baum, C. L., Slager, S. L. AMER ASSOC CANCER RESEARCH. 2022
  • Impact of leadership behaviour on physician well-being, burnout, professional fulfilment and intent to leave: a multicentre cross-sectional survey study. BMJ open Mete, M., Goldman, C., Shanafelt, T., Marchalik, D. 2022; 12 (6): e057554

    Abstract

    To examine how perceived leadership behaviours affect burnout, professional fulfilment and intent to leave the organisation among physicians.Anonymous cross-sectional survey study from November 2016 to October 2018.12 036 attending and resident physicians at 11 healthcare organisations participating in the Physician Wellness Academic Consortium (PWAC) were surveyed to assess burnout and professional fulfilment and their drivers.A sample of 5416 attending physicians with complete data on gender, specialty, leadership, burnout and professional fulfilment.The leadership behaviour of each physician's supervisor was assessed using the Mayo Clinic Participatory Management Leadership Index and categorised in tertiles. Multivariable logistic regression analyses examined the effect of leadership behaviour rating of each physician's supervisor on burnout, professional fulfilment and intent to leave controlling for gender and specialty.The response rate was 45% across 11 institutions. Half of the respondents were female. Professional fulfilment increased with increasing tertiles of leadership behaviour rating (19%, 34%, 47%, p<0.001). The odds of professional fulfilment were 5.8 times higher (OR=5.8, 95% CI: 5.1 to 6.59) for physicians in the top tertile compared with those in the lowest tertile. Physicians in the top tertile were also 48% less likely to be burned out (OR=0.52, 95% CI: 0.45 to 0.61) and reported 66% lower intent to leave (OR=0.34, 95% CI: 0.26 to 0.44). Individuals who rated their supervisor's leadership in upper tertiles relative to lower tertiles exhibited lower levels of burnout (18% vs 35% vs 47%, p<0.001), and intent to leave (16% vs 24% vs 50% p<0.001).Perceived leadership behaviours have a strong relationship with burnout, professional fulfilment and intent to leave among physicians. Organisations should consider leadership development as a potential vehicle to improve physician wellness and prevent costly physician departures.

    View details for DOI 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057554

    View details for PubMedID 36691255

  • Neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage, tobacco use, and cessation indicators among adults with cancer in the United States: Results from 10 ECOG-ACRIN trials. Walter, A., Lee, J., Gareen, I. F., Kircher, S., Herman, B. A., Streck, J. M., Kumar, S., Mayer, I. A., Saba, N. F., Neal, J. W., Atkins, M. B., Hodi, F., Kyriakopoulos, C., Tempany, C., Shanafelt, T. D., Wagner, L. I., Land, S. R., Ostroff, J. S., Park, E. R. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2022
  • Impact of leadership behaviour on physician well-being, burnout, professional fulfilment and intent to leave: a multicentre cross-sectional survey study BMJ OPEN Mete, M., Goldman, C., Shanafelt, T., Marchalik, D. 2022; 12 (6)
  • Mistreatment Experiences, Protective Workplace Systems, and Occupational Distress in Physicians. JAMA network open Rowe, S. G., Stewart, M. T., Van Horne, S., Pierre, C., Wang, H., Manukyan, M., Bair-Merritt, M., Lee-Parritz, A., Rowe, M. P., Shanafelt, T., Trockel, M. 2022; 5 (5): e2210768

    Abstract

    Importance: Reducing physician occupational distress requires understanding workplace mistreatment, its relationship to occupational well-being, and how mistreatment differentially impacts physicians of diverse identities.Objectives: To assess the prevalence and sources of mistreatment among physicians and associations between mistreatment, occupational well-being, and physicians' perceptions of protective workplace systems.Design, Setting, and Participants: This survey study was administered in September and October 2020 to physicians at a large academic medical center. Statistical analysis was performed from May 2021 to February 2022.Main Outcomes and Measures: Primary measures were the Professional Fulfillment Index, a measure of intent to leave, and the Mistreatment, Protection, and Respect Measure (MPR). Main outcomes were the prevalence and sources of mistreatment. Secondary outcomes were the associations of mistreatment and perceptions of protective workplace systems with occupational well-being.Results: Of 1909 medical staff invited, 1505 (78.8%) completed the survey. Among respondents, 735 (48.8%) were women, 627 (47.1%) were men, and 143 (9.5%) did not share gender identity or chose "other"; 12 (0.8%) identified as African American or Black, 392 (26%) as Asian, 10 (0.7%) as multiracial, 736 (48.9%) as White, 63 (4.2%) as other, and 292 (19.4%) did not share race or ethnicity. Of the 1397 respondents who answered mistreatment questions, 327 (23.4%) reported experiencing mistreatment in the last 12 months. Patients and visitors were the most common source of mistreatment, reported by 232 physicians (16.6%). Women were more than twice as likely as men to experience mistreatment (31% [224 women] vs 15% [92 men]). On a scale of 0 to 10, mistreatment was associated with a 1.13 point increase in burnout (95% CI, 0.89 to 1.36), a 0.99-point decrease in professional fulfillment (95% CI, -1.24 to -0.73), and 129% higher odds of moderate or greater intent to leave (odds ratio, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.75 to 2.99). When compared with a perception that protective workplace systems are in place "to a very great extent," a perception that there are no protective workplace systems was associated with a 2.41-point increase in burnout (95% CI, 1.80 to 3.02), a 2.81-point lower professional fulfillment score (95% CI, -3.44 to -2.18), and 711% higher odds of intending to leave (odds ratio, 8.11; 95% CI, 3.67 to 18.35).Conclusions and Relevance: This survey study found that mistreatment was common among physicians, varied by gender, and was associated with occupational distress. Patients and visitors were the most frequent source, and perceptions of protective workplace systems were associated with better occupational well-being. These findings suggest that health care organizations should prioritize reducing workplace mistreatment.

    View details for DOI 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.10768

    View details for PubMedID 35522279

  • Physicians' Experiences With Mistreatment and Discrimination by Patients, Families, and Visitors and Association With Burnout. JAMA network open Dyrbye, L. N., West, C. P., Sinsky, C. A., Trockel, M., Tutty, M., Satele, D., Carlasare, L., Shanafelt, T. 2022; 5 (5): e2213080

    Abstract

    Importance: Burnout is common among physicians and is associated with suboptimal patient outcomes. Little is known about how experiences with patients, families, and visitors differ by physician characteristics or contribute to the risk of burnout.Objective: To examine the occurrence of mistreatment and discrimination by patients, families, and visitors by physician characteristics and the association between such interactions and experiencing burnout.Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional survey was conducted from November 20, 2020, to March 23, 2021, among US physicians.Exposures: Mistreatment and discrimination were measured using items adapted from the Association of American Medical College's Graduation Questionnaire with an additional item querying respondents about refusal of care because of the physicians' personal attributes; higher score indicated greater exposure to mistreatment and discrimination.Main Outcomes and Measures: Burnout as measured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory.Results: Of 6512 responding physicians, 2450 (39.4%) were female, and 369 (7.2%) were Hispanic; 681 (13.3%) were non-Hispanic Asian, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander; and 3633 (70.5%) were non-Hispanic White individuals. Being subjected to racially or ethnically offensive remarks (1849 [29.4%]), offensive sexist remarks (1810 [28.7%]), or unwanted sexual advances (1291 [20.5%]) by patients, families, or visitors at least once in the previous year were common experiences. Approximately 1 in 5 physicians (1359 [21.6%]) had experienced a patient or their family refusing to allow them to provide care because of the physician's personal attributes at least once in the previous year. On multivariable analyses, female physicians (OR, 2.33; 95% CI, 2.02-2.69) and ethnic and racial minority physicians (eg, Black or African American: OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.13-2.23) were more likely to report mistreatment or discrimination in the previous year. Experience of mistreatment or discrimination was independently associated with higher odds of burnout (vs score of 0 [no mistreatment], score of 1: OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.04-1.55; score of 2: OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.38-2.08; score of 3: OR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.89-2.57). There was no difference in the odds of burnout by gender after controlling for experiencing mistreatment and discrimination score and other demographic factors, specialty, practice setting, work hours, and frequency of overnight call.Conclusions and Relevance: In this study, mistreatment and discrimination by patients, families, and visitors were common, especially for female and racial and ethnic minority physicians, and associated with burnout. Efforts to mitigate physician burnout should include attention to patient and visitor conduct.

    View details for DOI 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.13080

    View details for PubMedID 35587344

  • Long-term Outcomes for Ibrutinib-Rituximab and Chemoimmunotherapy in CLL: Updated Results of the E1912 Trial. Blood Shanafelt, T. D., Wang, X. V., Hanson, C. A., Paietta, E. M., O'Brien, S., Barrientos, J. C., Jelinek, D. F., Braggio, E., Leis, J. F., Zhang, C. C., Coutre, S. E., Barr, P. M., Cashen, A. F., Mato, A. R., Singh, A. K., Mullane, M. P., Little, R. F., Erba, H. P., Stone, R. M., Litzow, M. R., Tallman, M. S., Kay, N. E. 2022

    Abstract

    Herein, we present the long-term follow-up of the randomized E1912 trial comparing the long-term efficacy of ibrutinib-rituximab (IR) therapy to fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab (FCR) and describe the tolerability of continuous ibrutinib. The E1912 trial enrolled 529 treatment-naive patients with CLL age <70 years. Patients were randomly assigned (2:1 ratio) to receive ibrutinib and rituximab (IR) or six cycles of FCR. With a median follow-up of 5.8 years, median PFS is superior for IR (hazard ratio [HR], 0.37; P < .001). IR improved PFS relative to FCR in both IGHV mutated (HR: 0.27; P < 0.001) and IGHV unmutated patients (HR: 0.27; P < 0.001). Among the 354 patients randomized to IR, 214 (60.5%) currently remain on ibrutinib. Among the 138 IR-treated patients who discontinued treatment, 37 (10.5% of patients who started IR) discontinued therapy due to disease progression or death, 77 (21.9% of patients who started IR) discontinued therapy for adverse events/complication, and 24 (6.8% of patients who started IR) withdrew for other reasons. Progression was uncommon among patients able to remain on ibrutinib. Median time from ibrutinib discontinuation to disease progression or death among those who discontinued treatment for a reason other than progression was 25 months. Sustained improvement in OS was observed for patients on the IR arm (HR=0.47; p=0.018). In conclusion, Ibrutinib-rituximab therapy offers superior PFS relative to FCR in both IGHV mutated and unmutated CLL patients as well as superior OS. Continuous ibrutinib therapy is tolerated beyond 5 years in the majority of CLL patients. Clinical trial at NCT02048813.

    View details for DOI 10.1182/blood.2021014960

    View details for PubMedID 35427411

  • Changes in Burnout and Satisfaction With Work-Life Integration in Physicians and the General US Working Population Between 2011 and 2020. Mayo Clinic proceedings Shanafelt, T. D., West, C. P., Sinsky, C., Trockel, M., Tutty, M., Wang, H., Carlasare, L. E., Dyrbye, L. N. 2022; 97 (3): 491-506

    Abstract

    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of burnout and satisfaction with work-life integration (WLI) among physicians and US workers in 2020 relative to 2011, 2014, and2017.METHODS: Between November 20, 2020, and March 23, 2021, we surveyed US physicians and a probability-based sample of the US working population using methods similar to our prior studies. Burnout and WLI were measured using standard tools. Information about specific work-related COVID-19 experiences was collected.RESULTS: There were 7510 physicians who participated in the survey. Nonresponder analysis suggested that participants were representative of US physicians. Mean emotional exhaustion and depersonalization scores were lower in 2020 than in 2017, 2014, and 2011 (all P<.001). However, emotional exhaustion and depersonalization scores did not improve in specialties most heavily affected by COVID-19. Overall, 38.2% of physicians reported 1 or more symptoms of burnout in 2020 compared with 43.9% in 2017, 54.4% in 2014, and 45.5% in 2011 (all P<.001). Providing care without adequate personal protective equipment (odds ratio [OR], 1.53; 95% CI, 1.35 to 1.72) and having suffered disruptive economic consequences due to COVID-19 (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.32 to 1.69) were independently associated with risk of burnout. On multivariable analysis, physicians were at increased risk for burnout (OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.25 to 1.58) and were less likely to be satisfied with WLI (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.64 to 0.79) than other working US adults.CONCLUSION: Burnout and satisfaction with WLI among US physicians improved between 2017 and 2020. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physicians varies on the basis of professional characteristics and experiences. Physicians remain at increased risk for burnout relative to workers in other fields.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.mayocp.2021.11.021

    View details for PubMedID 35246286

  • Mitigating the impact of the year end spike in elective surgery on surgeon and staff well-being: A surgical perspective. Annals of medicine and surgery (2012) Shukla, D., Gilliland, T., Gurland, B., Patel, S., Shanafelt, T. 2022; 75: 103370

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.103370

    View details for PubMedID 35242321

  • Employer-Provided Professional Coaching to Improve Self-compassion and Burnout in Physicians. Mayo Clinic proceedings Makowski, M. S., Palomo, C., de Vries, P., Shanafelt, T. D. 2022; 97 (3): 628-629

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.mayocp.2022.01.008

    View details for PubMedID 35246294

  • Health Care Expenditures Attributable to Primary Care Physician Overall and Burnout-Related Turnover: A Cross-sectional Analysis. Mayo Clinic proceedings Sinsky, C. A., Shanafelt, T. D., Dyrbye, L. N., Sabety, A. H., Carlasare, L. E., West, C. P. 2022

    Abstract

    OBJECTIVE: To estimate the excess health care expenditures due to US primary care physician (PCP) turnover, both overall and specific to burnout.METHODS: We estimated the excess health care expenditures attributable to PCP turnover using published data for Medicare patients, calculated estimates for non-Medicare patients, and the American Medical Association Masterfile. We used published data from a cross-sectional survey of US physicians conducted between October 12, 2017, and March 15, 2018, of burnout and intention to leave one's current practice within 2 years by primary care specialty to estimate excess expenditures attributable to PCP turnover due to burnout. A conservative estimate from the literature was used for actual turnover based on intention to leave. Additional publicly available data were used to estimate the average PCP panel size and the composition of Medicare and non-Medicare patients within a PCP's panel.RESULTS: Turnover of PCPs results in approximately $979 million in excess health care expenditures for public and private payers annually, with $260 million attributable to PCP burnout-related turnover.CONCLUSION: Turnover of PCPs, including that due to burnout, is costly to public and private payers. Efforts to reduce physician burnout may be considered as one approach to decrease US health care expenditures.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.mayocp.2021.09.013

    View details for PubMedID 35227508

  • Fracture risk in chronic lymphocytic leukemia Saul, D., Sfeir, J., Kotwal, A., Parikh, S., Shanafelt, T., Atkinson, E., Achenbach, S., Drake, M. WILEY. 2022: 203
  • Associations of history of vaccination and hospitalization due to infection with risk of monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis. Leukemia Boddicker, N. J., Achenbach, S. J., Parikh, S. A., Kleinstern, G., Braggio, E., Norman, A. D., Rabe, K. G., Vachon, C. M., Lesnick, C. E., Call, T. G., Olson, J. E., Cerhan, J. R., Kay, N. E., Hanson, C. A., Shanafelt, T. D., Slager, S. L. 2022

    View details for DOI 10.1038/s41375-022-01514-3

    View details for PubMedID 35169244

  • Single cell analysis reveals immune dysfunction from the earliest stages of CLL that can be reversed by ibrutinib. Blood Purroy Zuriguel, N., Tong, Y. E., Lemvigh, C. K., Cieri, N., Li, S., Parry, E. M., Zhang, W., Rassenti, L. Z., Kipps, T. J., Slager, S. L., Kay, N. E., Lesnick, C., Shanafelt, T. D., Ghia, P., Scarfò, L., Livak, K. J., Kharchenko, P. V., Neuberg, D., Olsen, L. R., Fan, J., Gohil, S. H., Wu, C. J. 2022

    View details for DOI 10.1182/blood.2021013926

    View details for PubMedID 35020831

  • Long-term efficacy of first-line ibrutinib treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in patients with TP53 aberrations: apooled analysis from four clinical trials. British journal of haematology Allan, J. N., Shanafelt, T., Wiestner, A., Moreno, C., O'Brien, S. M., Li, J., Krigsfeld, G., Dean, J. P., Ahn, I. E. 2021

    Abstract

    TP53 aberrations [del(17p) or TP53 mutation] predict poor survival with chemoimmunotherapy in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). We evaluated long-term efficacy and safety of first-line ibrutinib-based therapy in patients with CLL bearing TP53 aberrations in a pooled analysis across four studies: PCYC-1122e, RESONATE-2 (PCYC-1115/16), iLLUMINATE (PCYC-1130) and ECOG-ACRIN E1912. The pooled analysis included 89 patients with TP53 aberrations receiving first-line treatment with single-agent ibrutinib (n=45) or ibrutinib in combination with an anti-CD20 antibody (n=44). All 89 patients had del(17p) (53% of 89 patients) and/or TP53 mutation (91% of 58 patients with TP53 sequencing results available). With a median follow-up of 49·8months (range, 0·1-95·9), median progression-free survival was not reached. Progression-free survival rate and overall survival rate estimates at four years were 79% and 88%, respectively. Overall response rate was 93%, including complete response in 39% of patients. No new safety signals were identified in this analysis. Forty-six percent of patients remained on ibrutinib treatment at last follow-up. With median follow-up of four years (up to eight years), results from this large, pooled, multi-study data set suggest promising long-term outcomes of first-line ibrutinib-based therapy in patients with TP53 aberrations. Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01500733, NCT01722487, NCT02264574 and NCT02048813).

    View details for DOI 10.1111/bjh.17984

    View details for PubMedID 34865212

  • Quality of Life in Patients <=70 Years of Age with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Treated Frontline with IbrutinibRituximab Versus Fludarabine Cyclophosphamide Rituximab: Analysis from ECOG-ACRIN E1912 Pophali, P. A., Wang, X., Zhao, F., Kay, N. E., Hanson, C. A., Thomas, M. L., O'Brien, S. M., Barrientos, J., Paietta, E. M., Leis, J. F., Zhang, C., Coutre, S., Barr, P. M., Cashen, A., Mato, A. R., Singh, A., Little, R. F., Erba, H. P., Stone, R. M., Litzow, M. R., Tallman, M. S., Shanafelt, T., Wagner, L. I. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2021
  • Relationship and Susceptibility to Serious Infections Among Monoclonal B-Cell Lymphocytosis (MBL), Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS), and Clonal Hematopoiesis (CH) Premalignant Conditions Boddicker, N. J., Parikh, S. A., Kleinstern, G., Norman, A. D., Rabe, K. G., Call, T. G., Olson, J. E., Dispenzieri, A., Murray, D. L., Rajkumar, S., Kumar, S., Cerhan, J. R., Kay, N. E., Braggio, E., Hanson, C. A., Shanafelt, T., Vachon, C. M., Slager, S. L. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2021: 3739-+
  • Prevalence and Overall Survival of Low Count Monoclonal B-Cell Lymphocytosis (LC-MBL): A Screening Study of 8,297 Individuals from the Mayo Clinic Biobank Slager, S. L., Parikh, S. A., Achenbach, S. J., Kleinstern, G., Boddicker, N. J., Norman, A. D., Rabe, K. G., Lesnick, C. E., Call, T. G., Olson, J. E., Cerhan, J. R., Kay, N. E., Vachon, C. M., Braggio, E., Hanson, C. A., Shanafelt, T. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2021
  • Evaluation of Burnout in a National Sample of Hematology-Oncology Pharmacists. JCO oncology practice Golbach, A. P., McCullough, K. B., Soefje, S. A., Mara, K. C., Shanafelt, T. D., Merten, J. A. 2021: OP2100471

    Abstract

    PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of burnout among hematology-oncology pharmacists and factors associated with an increased risk of high burnout.METHODS: Between October and November 2020, members of the Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association were invited to complete an anonymous survey. Questions included the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), Well-Being Index, and sociodemographic and occupational factors linked with burnout.RESULTS: Of 3,024 pharmacists contacted, 614 pharmacists (20.3%) responded to an online survey and 550 (18.2% of overall sample) completed the MBI and were included for analysis. Overall, high levels of burnout were observed in 61.8% of respondents based on the MBI, with 57.9% of respondents scoring high on the emotional exhaustion domain and 31.3% high in the depersonalization domain. Pharmacists with burnout worked on average 48.6 (±9.6) hours per week compared with 44.5 (±9.6) hours per week for those without high burnout and spent more time on administrative tasks per week (7.5 hours v 4.3 hours; all P < .001). Pharmacists reporting high burnout were more likely to report concern they had made a major medication error within the past 3 months (27.6% v 8.1%; P < .001) and greater intent to leave their current job within 2 years (60.3% v 19.0%; P < .001).CONCLUSION: Burnout is prevalent among hematology-oncology pharmacists and may affect both patient safety and the adequacy of the workforce. Risk factors for burnout among hematology-oncology pharmacists in this study may be targets for burnout mitigation and prevention strategies to reduce the impact on pharmacists and improve cancer care for patients.

    View details for DOI 10.1200/OP.21.00471

    View details for PubMedID 34793242

  • Performance Nutrition for Physician Trainees Working Overnight Shifts: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Academic medicine : journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges Makowski, M. S., Trockel, M. T., Menon, N. K., Wang, H., Katznelson, L., Shanafelt, T. D. 2021

    Abstract

    PURPOSE: To compare acute effects of 2 dietary interventions with usual dietary habits on physician trainees' alertness during overnight shifts.METHOD: This registered, controlled, block-randomized crossover trial (NCT03698123) was conducted between October 2018 and May 2019 at Stanford Medicine. Physician trainees working at least 3 overnight shifts during a 1-week period were recruited. During the first overnight shift, participants followed their usual dietary habits. During the intervention nights (low carbohydrate-to-protein ratio and high carbohydrate-to-protein ratio interventions), participants received healthy dinners, snacks, water, and, upon request, caffeinated beverages, at the beginning of their shifts and were instructed to eat meals before 10 p.m. The sequence of interventions on the second and third nights were block-randomized across study weeks. Outcome measures (a priori) were overnight changes in validated measures of specific neurobehavioral dimensions: psychomotor vigilance, sensory-motor speed, working memory, and risk decision-making, as well as self-reported sleepiness and work exhaustion.RESULTS: Sixty-one physician trainees participated in this study. Compared to usual dietary habits, overnight changes in psychomotor vigilance scores (scale 0-1,000) improved by 51.02 points (95% confidence interval [CI]: 12.08, 89.96); sleepiness (scale 1-7) improved by 0.69 points (95% CI: 0.33, 1.05) under the low carbohydrate-to-protein ratio intervention. Compared to usual dietary habits, overnight changes in sleepiness (scale 1-7) improved by 0.61 points (95% CI: 0.25, 0.96) under the high carbohydrate-to-protein ratio intervention. Neither intervention had beneficial effects relative to usual dietary habits with respect to sensory-motor speed, working memory, risk decision-making, or work exhaustion. There were no differences in outcomes between low carbohydrate-to-protein ratio and high carbohydrate-to-protein ratio interventions.CONCLUSIONS: Dietary interventions may mitigate negative effects of physician trainee sleep deprivation during overnight shifts. Future studies are warranted to further examine the effectiveness of nutritional strategies on physician alertness during overnight shifts.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/ACM.0000000000004509

    View details for PubMedID 34753859

  • Suicidal Ideation and Attitudes Toward Help Seeking in US Nurses Relative to the General Working Population AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NURSING Kelsey, E. A., West, C. P., Cipriano, P. F., Peterson, C., Satele, D., Shanafelt, T., Dyrbye, L. N. 2021; 121 (11): 24-36
  • Physician Well-being 2.0: Where Are We and Where Are We Going? Mayo Clinic proceedings Shanafelt, T. D. 2021; 96 (10): 2682-2693

    Abstract

    Although awareness of the importance of physician well-being has increased in recent years, the research that defined this issue, identified the contributing factors, and provided evidence on effective individual and system-level solutions has been maturing for several decades. During this interval, the field has evolved through several phases, each influenced not only by an expanding research base but also by changes in the demographic characteristics of the physician workforce and the evolution of the health care delivery system. This perspective summarizes the historical phase of this journey (the "era of distress"), the current state (Well-being 1.0), and the early contours of the next phase based on recent research and the experience of vanguard institutions (Well-being 2.0). The key characteristics and mindset of each phase are summarized to provide context for the current state, to illustrate how the field has evolved, and to help organizations and leaders advance from Well-being 1.0 to Well-being 2.0 thinking. Now that many of the lessons of the Well-being 1.0 phase have been internalized, the profession, organizations, leaders, and individual physicians should act to accelerate the transition to Well-being 2.0.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.mayocp.2021.06.005

    View details for PubMedID 34607637

  • Low and moderate grade adverse events are important contributors to patient-reported treatment side-effect bother O'Connell, N., Zhao, F., Lee, J., Hong, F., Shen, S., Ip, E., Salem, W., Peipert, J., Graham, N., Smith, M., Gareen, L., Carlos, R., Obeng-Gyasi, S., Miller, K., Partridge, A., Shanafelt, T., Sparano, J., Stewart, K., Tarhini, A., Thomas, M., Weiss, M., Cella, D., Wagner, L., Gray, R. SPRINGER. 2021: S82
  • Change in a single-item indicator of treatment tolerability in cancer is associated with early treatment discontinuation Peipert, J., Zhao, F., Lee, J., Hong, F., Shen, S., Ip, E., O'Connell, N., Graham, N., Smith, M., Gareen, I., Carlos, R., Obeng-Gyasi, S., Kumar, S. K., Miller, K., Partridge, A., Shanafelt, T., Sparano, J. A., Stewart, K., Tarhini, A., Thomas, M., Weiss, M., Cella, D., Gray, R., Wagner, L. I. SPRINGER. 2021: S51
  • Prevalence and Workplace Drivers of Burnout in Cancer Care Physicians in Ontario, Canada. JCO oncology practice Singh, S., Farrelly, A., Chan, C., Nicholls, B., Nazeri-Rad, N., Bellicoso, D., Eisen, A., Falkson, C. B., Fox, C., Holloway, C., Kennedy, E., McLeod, R., Rothenberger, D., Trudeau, M., Shanafelt, T., Bauman, G. 2021: OP2100170

    Abstract

    PURPOSE: Provider well-being has become the fourth pillar of the quadruple aim for providing quality care. Exacerbated by the global COVID-19 pandemic, provider well-being has become a critical issue for health care systems worldwide. We describe the prevalence and key system-level drivers of burnout in oncologists in Ontario, Canada.METHODS: This is a cross-sectional survey study conducted in November-December 2019 of practicing cancer care physicians (surgical, medical, radiation, gynecologic oncology, and hematology) in Ontario, Canada. Ontario is Canada's largest province (with a population of 14.5 million), and has a single-payer publicly funded cancer system. The primary outcome was burnout experience assessed through the Maslach Burnout Inventory.RESULTS: A total of 418 physicians completed the questionnaire (response rate was 44% among confirmed oncologists). Seventy-three percent (n = 264 of 362) of oncologists had symptoms of burnout (high emotional exhaustion and/or depersonalization scores). Significant drivers of burnout identified in multivariable regression modeling included working in a hectic or chaotic atmosphere (odds ratio [OR] = 15.5; 95% CI, 3.4 to 71.5; P < .001), feeling unappreciated on the job (OR = 7.9; 95% CI, 2.9 to 21.3; P < .001), reporting poor or marginal control over workload (OR = 7.9; 95% CI, 2.9 to 21.3; P < .001), and not being comfortable talking to peers about workplace stress (OR = 3.0; 95% CI, 1.1 to 7.9; P < .001). Older age (≥ 56 years) was associated with lower odds of burnout (OR = 0.16; 95% CI, 0.1 to 0.4; P < .001).CONCLUSION: Nearly three quarters of participants met predefined standardized criteria for burnout. This number is striking, given the known impact of burnout on provider mental health, patient safety, and quality of care, and suggests Oncologists in Ontario may be a vulnerable group that warrants attention. Health care changes being driven by the COVID-19 pandemic provide an opportunity to rebuild new systems that address drivers of burnout. Creating richer peer-to-peer and leadership engagement opportunities among early- to mid-career individuals may be a worthwhile organizational strategy.

    View details for DOI 10.1200/OP.21.00170

    View details for PubMedID 34506217

  • Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), 80 Years of Age or Older Hampel, P., Call, T., Rabe, K., Achenbach, S., Muchtar, E., Kenderian, S., Wang, Y., Koehler, A., Leis, J., Schwager, S., Van Dyke, D., Shi, M., Hanson, C., Shanafelt, T., Braggio, E., Slager, S., Kay, N., Ding, W., Parikh, S. CIG MEDIA GROUP, LP. 2021: S324-S325
  • How Feedback Is Given Matters: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Patient Satisfaction Feedback Delivery and Physician Well-being. Mayo Clinic proceedings Vilendrer, S. M., Kling, S. M., Wang, H., Brown-Johnson, C., Jayaraman, T., Trockel, M., Asch, S. M., Shanafelt, T. D. 2021

    Abstract

    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate how variation in the way patient satisfaction feedback is delivered relates to physician well-being and perceptions of its impact on patient care, job satisfaction, and clinical decision making.PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional electronic survey was sent to faculty physicians from a large academic medical center in March 29, 2019. Physicians reported their exposure to feedback (timing, performance relative to peers, or channel) and related perceptions. The Professional Fulfillment Index captured burnout and professional fulfillment. Associations between feedback characteristics and well-being or perceived impact were tested using analysis of variance or logistic regression adjusted for covariates.RESULTS: Of 1016 survey respondents, 569 (56.0%) reported receiving patient satisfaction feedback. Among those receiving feedback, 303 (53.2%) did not believe that this feedback improved patient care. Compared with physicians who never received feedback, those who received any type of feedback had higher professional fulfillment scores (mean, 6.6±2.1 vs 6.3±2.0; P=.03) but also reported an unfavorable impact on clinical decision making (odds ratio [OR], 2.9; 95% CI, 1.8 to 4.7; P<.001). Physicians who received feedback that included one-on-one discussions (as opposed to feedback without this channel) held more positive perceptions of the feedback's impact on patient care (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.3 to 3.0; P=.003), whereas perceptions were less positive in physicians whose feedback included comparisons to named colleagues (OR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.3 to 0.8; P=.003).CONCLUSION: Providing patient satisfaction feedback to physicians was associated with mixed results, and physician perceptions of the impact of feedback depended on the characteristics of feedback delivery. Our findings suggest that feedback is viewed most constructively by physicians when delivered through one-on-one discussions and without comparison to peers.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.mayocp.2021.03.039

    View details for PubMedID 34479736

  • Measurable Residual Disease Does Not Preclude Prolonged Progression-free Survival in CLL Treated with Ibrutinib. Blood Wang, V., Hanson, C. A., Tschumper, R., Lesnick, C., Braggio, E., Paietta, E., O'Brien, S. M., Barrientos, J., Leis, J. F., Zhang, C. C., Coutre, S. E., Barr, P. M., Cashen, A. F., Mato, A. R., Singh, A. K., Mullane, M. P., Erba, H. P., Stone, R. M., Litzow, M. R., Tallman, M. S., Shanafelt, T. D., Kay, N. E. 2021

    Abstract

    E1912 was a randomized phase 3 trial comparing indefinite ibrutinib plus six cycles of rituximab (IR) to six cycles of fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab (FCR) in untreated younger patients with CLL. We describe measurable residual disease (MRD) levels in E1912 over time and correlate them with clinical outcome. Undetectable MRD rates (< 1 CLL cell per 104 leukocytes) were 29.1%, 30.3%, 23.4% and 8.6% at 3, 12, 24 and 36 months for FCR, and significantly lower at 7.9%, 4.2% and 3.7% at 12, 24 and 36 months for IR, respectively. Undetectable MRD at 3, 12, 24 and 36 months was associated with longer progression-free survival (PFS) for the FCR arm with hazard ratios (MRD detectable / MRD undetectable) of 4.29 (95% CI 1.89 - 9.71), 3.91 (95% CI 1.39 - 11.03), 14.12 (95% CI 1.78 - 111.73), and not estimable (no events among those with undetectable MRD), respectively. For the IR arm, patients with detectable MRD did not have significantly worse PFS compared to those in whom MRD was undetectable; however, PFS was longer for those with MRD levels of less than 10-1 compared to those with MRD levels above this threshold. Our observations provide additional support for the use of MRD as a surrogate endpoint for PFS in patients receiving FCR. For patients on indefinite ibrutinib-based therapy, PFS did not differ significantly by undetectable MRD status, while those with MRD less than 10-1 tend to have longer PFS, although continuation of ibrutinib is very likely required to maintain treatment efficacy.

    View details for DOI 10.1182/blood.2020010146

    View details for PubMedID 34407545

  • Cause of death in patients with newly diagnosed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) stratified by the CLL-International Prognostic Index. Blood cancer journal Wang, Y., Achenbach, S. J., Rabe, K. G., Shanafelt, T. D., Call, T. G., Ding, W., Kenderian, S. S., Muchtar, E., Leis, J. F., Koehler, A. B., Schwager, S. M., Cerhan, J. R., Slager, S. L., Kay, N. E., Parikh, S. A. 2021; 11 (8): 140

    View details for DOI 10.1038/s41408-021-00532-1

    View details for PubMedID 34354039

  • Colleagues Meeting to Promote and Sustain Satisfaction (COMPASS) Groups for Physician Well-Being: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Mayo Clinic proceedings West, C. P., Dyrbye, L. N., Satele, D. V., Shanafelt, T. D. 2021

    Abstract

    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate physician small groups to promote physician well-being in a scenario with provided discussion topics but without trained facilitators, and for which protected time was not provided but meal expenses were compensated.PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled trial of 125 practicing physicians in the Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, between October 2013 and October2014 with subsequent assessment of organizational program implementation. Twelve biweekly self-facilitated discussion groups involving reflection, shared experience, and small-group learning took place over 6 months. Main outcome measures included meaning in work, burnout, symptoms of depression, quality of life, social support, and job satisfaction assessed using validated metrics.RESULTS: At 6 months after completion of the intervention (12 months from baseline), the rate of overall burnout had decreased by 12.7% (31/62 to 19/51) in the intervention arm versus a 1.9% increase (25/61 to 24/56) in the control arm (P<.001). The rate of depressive symptoms had decreased by 12.8% (29/62 to 17/50) in the intervention arm versus a 1.1% increase (20/61 to 19/56) in the control arm (P<.001). The proportion of physicians endorsing at least moderate self-reported likelihood of leaving their current practice in the subsequent 2 years had decreased by 1.9% (17/62 to 13/51) in the intervention arm and increased by 6.1% (14/61 to 16/55) in the control arm (P<.001). No statistically significant differences were seen in mean changes in burnout scale scores, meaning, or social support, although numeric differences generally favored the intervention.CONCLUSION: Self-facilitated physician small-group meetings improved burnout, depressive symptoms, and job satisfaction. This intervention represents a low-cost strategy to promote important dimensions of physician well-being.TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT04466423.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.mayocp.2021.02.028

    View details for PubMedID 34366134

  • Polygenic risk score and risk of monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis in caucasians and risk of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in African Americans. Leukemia Kleinstern, G., Weinberg, J. B., Parikh, S. A., Braggio, E., Achenbach, S. J., Robinson, D. P., Norman, A. D., Rabe, K. G., Boddicker, N. J., Vachon, C. M., Lesnick, C. E., Call, T. G., Brander, D. M., Rassenti, L. Z., Kipps, T. J., Olson, J. E., Cerhan, J. R., Kay, N. E., Furman, R. R., Hanson, C. A., Shanafelt, T. D., Slager, S. L. 2021

    Abstract

    Monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL) is a precursor to CLL. Other than age, sex, and CLL family-history, little is known about factors associated with MBL risk. A polygenic-risk-score (PRS) of 41 CLL-susceptibility variants has been found to be associated with CLL risk among individuals of European-ancestry(EA). Here, we evaluate these variants, the PRS, and environmental factors for MBL risk. We also evaluate these variants and the CLL-PRS among African-American (AA) and EA-CLL cases and controls. Our study included 560 EA MBLs, 869 CLLs (696 EA/173 AA), and 2866 controls (2631 EA/235 AA). We used logistic regression, adjusting for age and sex, to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals within each race. We found significant associations with MBL risk among 21 of 41 variants and with the CLL-PRS (OR=1.86, P=1.9*10-29, c-statistic=0.72). Little evidence of any association between MBL risk and environmental factors was observed. We observed significant associations of the CLL-PRS with EA-CLL risk (OR=2.53, P=4.0*10-63, c-statistic=0.77) and AA-CLL risk (OR=1.76, P=5.1*10-5, c-statistic=0.62). Inherited genetic factors and not environmental are associated with MBL risk. In particular, the CLL-PRS is a strong predictor for both risk of MBL and EA-CLL, but less so for AA-CLL supporting the need for further work in this population.

    View details for DOI 10.1038/s41375-021-01344-9

    View details for PubMedID 34285341

  • Suicidal Ideation and Attitudes Regarding Help Seeking in US Physicians Relative to the US Working Population. Mayo Clinic proceedings Shanafelt, T. D., Dyrbye, L. N., West, C. P., Sinsky, C., Tutty, M., Carlasare, L. E., Wang, H., Trockel, M. 2021

    Abstract

    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of suicidal ideation (SI) and attitudes regarding help seeking among US physicians relative to the general US working population.PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: A secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey of US physicians and a probability-based sample of the US working population was conducted between October 12, 2017, and March 15, 2018. Among 30,456 invited physicians, 5197 (17.1%) completed the primary survey. Suicidal ideation in the last year, attitudes regarding help seeking, symptoms of depression, and burnout were assessed by standardized questions.RESULTS: Among the 4833 physicians who responded regarding SI, 316 (6.5%) reported having suicidal thoughts in the last 12 months. Most physicians (3527 [72.9%]) reported that they would seek professional help if they had a serious emotional problem. Physicians with SI were less likely to report that they would seek help (203/316 [64.2%]) than physicians without SI (3318/4517 [73.5%]; P=.001). On multivariable analysis, symptoms of depression (odds ratio [OR], 4.42; 95% CI, 1.89 to 11.52), emotional exhaustion (OR, 1.07 each 1-point increase; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.11), and self-valuation (OR, 0.84 each 1-point increase; 95% CI, 0.70 to 0.99) were associated with SI. Among individuals aged 29 to 65 years, physicians were more likely than workers in other fields to report SI (7.1% vs 4.3%; P<.001), a finding that persisted on multivariable analysis.CONCLUSION: In this national study conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic, 1 in 15 US physicians had thoughts of taking their own life in the last year, which exceeded the prevalence of SI among US workers in other fields.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.mayocp.2021.01.033

    View details for PubMedID 34301399

  • Frustration With Technology and its Relation to Emotional Exhaustion Among Health Care Workers: Cross-sectional Observational Study. Journal of medical Internet research Tawfik, D. S., Sinha, A., Bayati, M., Adair, K. C., Shanafelt, T. D., Sexton, J. B., Profit, J. 2021; 23 (7): e26817

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: New technology adoption is common in health care, but it may elicit frustration if end users are not sufficiently considered in their design or trained in their use. These frustrations may contribute to burnout.OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate and quantify health care workers' frustration with technology and its relationship with emotional exhaustion, after controlling for measures of work-life integration that may indicate excessive job demands.METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, observational study of health care workers across 31 Michigan hospitals. We used the Safety, Communication, Operational Reliability, and Engagement (SCORE) survey to measure work-life integration and emotional exhaustion among the survey respondents. We used mixed-effects hierarchical linear regression to evaluate the relationship among frustration with technology, other components of work-life integration, and emotional exhaustion, with adjustment for unit and health care worker characteristics.RESULTS: Of 15,505 respondents, 5065 (32.7%) reported that they experienced frustration with technology on at least 3-5 days per week. Frustration with technology was associated with higher scores for the composite Emotional Exhaustion scale (r=0.35, P<.001) and each individual item on the Emotional Exhaustion scale (r=0.29-0.36, P<.001 for all). Each 10-point increase in the frustration with technology score was associated with a 1.2-point increase (95% CI 1.1-1.4) in emotional exhaustion (both measured on 100-point scales), after adjustment for other work-life integration items and unit and health care worker characteristics.CONCLUSIONS: This study found that frustration with technology and several other markers of work-life integration are independently associated with emotional exhaustion among health care workers. Frustration with technology is common but not ubiquitous among health care workers, and it is one of several work-life integration factors associated with emotional exhaustion. Minimizing frustration with health care technology may be an effective approach in reducing burnout among health care workers.

    View details for DOI 10.2196/26817

    View details for PubMedID 34255674

  • Occupational and Personal Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic on US Oncologist Burnout and Well-Being: A Study From the ASCO Clinician Well-Being Task Force. JCO oncology practice Hlubocky, F. J., Back, A. L., Shanafelt, T. D., Gallagher, C. M., Burke, J. M., Kamal, A. H., Paice, J. A., Page, R. D., Spence, R., McGinnis, M., McFarland, D. C., Srivastava, P. 2021: OP2100147

    Abstract

    INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented global crisis profoundly affecting oncology care delivery.PURPOSE: This study will describe the occupational and personal consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on oncologist well-being and patient care.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four virtual focus groups were conducted with US ASCO member oncologists (September-November 2020). Inquiry and subsequent discussions centered on self-reported accounts of professional and personal COVID-19 experiences affecting well-being, and oncologist recommendations for well-being interventions that the cancer organization and professional societies (ASCO) might implement were explored. Qualitative interviews were analyzed using Framework Analysis.RESULTS: Twenty-five oncologists were interviewed: median age 44 years (range: 35-69 years), 52% female, 52% racial or ethnic minority, 76% medical oncologists, 64% married, and an average of 51.5 patients seen per week (range: 20-120). Five thematic consequences emerged: (1) impact of pre-COVID-19 burnout, (2) occupational or professional limitations and adaptations, (3) personal implications, (4) concern for the future of cancer care and the workforce, and (5) recommendations for physician well-being interventions. Underlying oncologist burnout exacerbated stressors associated with disruptions in care, education, research, financial practice health, and telemedicine. Many feared delays in cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Oncologists noted personal and familial stressors related to COVID-19 exposure fears and loss of social support. Many participants strongly considered working part-time or taking early retirement. Yet, opportunities arose to facilitate personal growth and rise above pandemic adversity, fostering greater resilience. Recommendations for organizational well-being interventions included psychologic or peer support resources, flexible time-off, and ASCO and state oncology societies involvement to develop care guidelines, well-being resources, and mental health advocacy.CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected oncologist burnout, fulfillment, practice health, cancer care, and workforce. It illuminates where professional organizations could play a significant role in oncologist well-being.

    View details for DOI 10.1200/OP.21.00147

    View details for PubMedID 34152789

  • Self-valuation Challenges in the Culture andPractice of Medicine and Physician Well-being. Mayo Clinic proceedings Trockel, M., Sinsky, C., West, C. P., Dyrbye, L. N., Tutty, M., Carlasare, L., Wang, H., Shanafelt, T. 2021

    Abstract

    OBJECTIVE: To compare physicians with workers in other fields on measures of self-valuation (SV) and determine the effect of adjusting for SV on the relationship between being a physician and risk for burnout.PATIENTS AND METHODS: A random sample of physicians from the American Medical Association Physician Masterfile and a probability sample from the general US population were used. Data were collected for this cross-sectional study between October 12, 2017 and March 15, 2018. Burnout was indicated by a score of 27 or higher on Emotional Exhaustion or 10 or higher on Depersonalization, using the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Self-valuation was measured with Self-valuation Scale items.RESULTS: Physicians (248/832=29.8%) more than workers in other fields (1036/5182=20.0%) "often" or "always" felt more self-condemnation than self-encouragement to learn from the experience when they made a mistake. Physicians (435/832=52.3%) more than workers in other fields (771/5182=14.9%) "often" or "always" put off taking care of their own health due to time pressure. Physicians had greater odds of burnout before (odds ratio [OR], 1.51; 95% CI, 1.30 to 1.76) but not after adjusting for SV responses (OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.78 to 1.11). After adjustment for SV, work hours, sex, and age, physicians had lower odds of burnout than workers in other fields (OR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.68 to 0.99).CONCLUSION: Self-valuation is lower in physicians compared with workers in other fields and adjusting for SV eliminated the association between being a physician and higher risk for burnout. Experimental design research is needed to determine whether the association of SV with burnout is causal and the degree to which SV is malleable to intervention at individual, organization, and professional culture levels.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.12.032

    View details for PubMedID 34210511

  • Examining the measurement equivalence of the Maslach Burnout Inventory across age, gender, and specialty groups in US physicians. Journal of patient-reported outcomes Brady, K. J., Sheldrick, R. C., Ni, P., Trockel, M. T., Shanafelt, T. D., Rowe, S. G., Kazis, L. E. 2021; 5 (1): 43

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: Disparities in US physician burnout rates across age, gender, and specialty groups as measured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey for Medical Personnel (MBI) are well documented. We evaluated whether disparities in US physician burnout are explained by differences in the MBI's functioning across physician age, gender, and specialty groups.METHODS: We assessed the measurement equivalence of the MBI across age, gender, and specialty groups in multi-group item response theory- (IRT-) based differential item functioning (DIF) analyses using secondary, cross-sectional survey data from US physicians (n=6577). We detected DIF using two IRT-based methods and assessed its impact by estimating the overall average difference in groups' subscale scores attributable to DIF. We assessed DIF's practical significance by comparing differences in individuals' subscale scores and burnout prevalence estimates from models unadjusted and adjusted for DIF.RESULTS: We detected statistically significant age-, gender-, and specialty- DIF in all but one MBI item. However, in all cases, average differences in expected subscale-level scores due to DIF were<0.10 SD on each subscale. Differences in physicians' individual-level subscale scores and burnout symptom prevalence estimates across DIF- adjusted and unadjusted IRT models were also small (in all cases, mean absolute differences in individual subscale scores were<0.04 z-score units; prevalence estimates differed by <0.70%).CONCLUSIONS: Age-, gender-, and specialty-related disparities in US physician burnout are not explained by differences in the MBI's functioning across these demographic groups. Our findings support the use of the MBI as a valid tool to assess age-, gender-, and specialty-related disparities in US physician burnout.

    View details for DOI 10.1186/s41687-021-00312-2

    View details for PubMedID 34089412

  • Creating a Blueprint of Well-Being in Oncology: An Approach for Addressing Burnout From ASCO's Clinician Well-Being Taskforce. American Society of Clinical Oncology educational book. American Society of Clinical Oncology. Annual Meeting Hlubocky, F. J., Shanafelt, T. D., Back, A. L., Paice, J. A., Tetzlaff, E. D., Friese, C. R., Kamal, A. H., McFarland, D. C., Lyckholm, L., Gallagher, C. M., Chatwal, M., Saltzman, J., Dudzinski, D., Burke, J. M., James, T. A., Page, R. D., Boyle, D. A., Gonzalez, M. M., Srivastava, P. 2021; 41: e339-e353

    Abstract

    Optimizing the well-being of the oncology clinician has never been more important. Well-being is a critical priority for the cancer organization because burnout adversely impacts the quality of care, patient satisfaction, the workforce, and overall practice success. To date, 45% of U.S. ASCO member medical oncologists report experiencing burnout symptoms of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. As the COVID-19 pandemic remains widespread with periods of outbreaks, recovery, and response with substantial personal and professional consequences for the clinician, it is imperative that the oncologist, team, and organization gain direct access to resources addressing burnout. In response, the Clinician Well-Being Task Force was created to improve the quality, safety, and value of cancer care by enhancing oncology clinician well-being and practice sustainability. Well-being is an integrative concept that characterizes quality of life and encompasses an individual's work- and personal health-related environmental, organizational, and psychosocial factors. These resources can be useful for the cancer organization to develop a well-being blueprint: a detailed start plan with recognized strategies and interventions targeting all oncology stakeholders to support a culture of community in oncology.

    View details for DOI 10.1200/EDBK_320873

    View details for PubMedID 34061565

  • PA job satisfaction and career plans. JAAPA : official journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants Halasy, M. P., West, C. P., Shanafelt, T., O'Laughlin, D. J., Satele, D., Dyrbye, L. N. 2021; 34 (6): 1-12

    Abstract

    OBJECTIVE: To understand the relationships between burnout, job satisfaction, and career plans among physician assistants in the United States.METHODS: The authors surveyed PAs in 2016. The survey included the Maslach Burnout Inventory and items on job satisfaction and career plans.RESULTS: Overall 82.7% of PAs were satisfied with their job, 32.2% indicated intent to leave their current position, and 19.5% reported intent to reduce work hours. On multivariate analysis, burnout increased the odds of job dissatisfaction, intent to reduce work hours within the next year, and intent to leave the current practice in the next 2 years.CONCLUSIONS: About a third of PAs indicated intent to leave their current practice and one in five indicated intent to reduce their clinical hours. Burnout was an independent predictor of job satisfaction and career plans.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/01.JAA.0000750968.07814.d0

    View details for PubMedID 34031320

  • Personal and Professional Factors Associated With Work-Life Integration Among US Physicians. JAMA network open Tawfik, D. S., Shanafelt, T. D., Dyrbye, L. N., Sinsky, C. A., West, C. P., Davis, A. S., Su, F., Adair, K. C., Trockel, M. T., Profit, J., Sexton, J. B. 2021; 4 (5): e2111575

    Abstract

    Importance: Poor work-life integration (WLI) occurs when career and personal responsibilities come in conflict and may contribute to the ongoing high rates of physician burnout. The characteristics associated with WLI are poorly understood.Objective: To identify personal and professional factors associated with WLI in physicians and identify factors that modify the association between gender and WLI.Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional study was based on electronic and paper surveys administered October 2017 to March 2018 at private, academic, military, and veteran's practices across the US. It used a population-based sample of US physicians across all medical specialties. Data analysis was performed from November 2019 to July 2020.Main Outcomes and Measures: WLI was assessed using an 8-item scale (0-100 point scale, with higher scores indicating favorable WLI), alongside personal and professional factors. Multivariable linear regressions evaluated independent associations with WLI as well as factors that modify the association between gender and WLI.Results: Of 5197 physicians completing surveys, 4370 provided complete responses. Of the physicians who provided complete responses, 2719 were men, 3491 were White/Caucasian (80.8%), 3560 were married (82.4%), and the mean (SD) age was 52.3 (12.0) years. The mean (SD) WLI score was 55 (23). Women reported lower (worse) mean (SD) WLI scores than men overall (52 [22] vs 57 [23]; mean difference, -5 [-0.2 SDs]; P<.001). In multivariable regression, lower WLI was independently associated with being a woman (linear regression coefficient, -6; SE, 0.7; P<.001) as well as being aged 35 years or older (eg, aged 35 to 44 years: linear regression coefficient, -7; SE, 1.4; P<.001), single (linear regression coefficient, -3 vs married; SE, 1.1; P=.003), working more hours (eg, 50 to 59 hours per week vs less than 40 hours per week: linear regression coefficient, -9; SE, 1.0; P<.001) and call nights (linear regression coefficient, -1 for each call night per week; SE, 0.2; P<.001), and being in emergency medicine (linear regression coefficient, -18; SE, 1.6, P<.001), urology (linear regression coefficient, -11; SE, 4.0; P=.009), general surgery (linear regression coefficient, -4; SE, 2.0; P=.04), anesthesiology (linear regression coefficient, -4; SE, 1.7; P=.03), or family medicine (linear regression coefficient, -3; SE, 1.4; P=.04) (reference category, internal medicine subspecialties). In interaction modeling, physician age, youngest child's age, and hours worked per week modified the associations between gender and WLI, such that the largest gender disparities were observed in physicians who were aged 45 to 54 years (estimated WLI score for women, 49; 95% CI, 47-51; estimated WLI score for men, 57, 95% CI, 55-59; P<.001), had youngest child aged 23 years or older (estimated WLI score for women, 51; 95% CI, 48-54; estimated WLI score for men, 60; 95% CI, 58-62; P<.001), and were working less than 40 hours per week (estimated WLI score for women, 61; 95% CI, 59-63; estimated WLI score for men; 70; 95% CI, 68-72; P<.001).Conclusions and Relevance: This study found that lower WLI was reported by physicians who are women, single, aged 35 years or older, and who work more hours and call nights. These findings suggest that systemic change is needed to improve WLI among physicians.

    View details for DOI 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.11575

    View details for PubMedID 34042994

  • Novel Nonproprietary Measures of Ambulatory Electronic Health Record Use Associated with Physician Work Exhaustion. Applied clinical informatics Sinha, A., Shanafelt, T. D., Trockel, M., Wang, H., Sharp, C. 2021; 12 (3): 637-646

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidence indicates an association between physician electronic health record (EHR) use after work hours and occupational distress including burnout. These studies are based on either physician perception of time spent in EHR through surveys which may be prone to bias or by utilizing vendor-defined EHR use measures which often rely on proprietary algorithms that may not take into account variation in physician's schedules which may underestimate time spent on the EHR outside of scheduled clinic time. The Stanford team developed and refined a nonproprietary EHR use algorithm to track the number of hours a physician spends logged into the EHR and calculates the Clinician Logged-in Outside Clinic (CLOC) time, the number of hours spent by a physician on the EHR outside of allocated time for patient care.OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to measure the association between CLOC metrics and validated measures of physician burnout and professional fulfillment.METHODS: Physicians from adult outpatient Internal Medicine, Neurology, Dermatology, Hematology, Oncology, Rheumatology, and Endocrinology departments who logged more than 8hours of scheduled clinic time per week and answered the annual wellness survey administered in Spring 2019 were included in the analysis.RESULTS: We observed a statistically significant positive correlation between CLOC ratio (defined as the ratio of CLOC time to allocated time for patient care) and work exhaustion (Pearson's r=0.14; p=0.04), but not interpersonal disengagement, burnout, or professional fulfillment.CONCLUSION: The CLOC metrics are potential objective EHR activity-based markers associated with physician work exhaustion. Our results suggest that the impact of time spent on EHR, while associated with exhaustion, does not appear to be a dominant factor driving the high rates of occupational burnout in physicians.

    View details for DOI 10.1055/s-0041-1731678

    View details for PubMedID 34261173

  • Burnout Phenotypes Among U.S. General Surgery Residents. Journal of surgical education Huang, R., Hewitt, D. B., Cheung, E. O., Agarwal, G., Etkin, C. D., Smink, D. S., Shanafelt, T. D., Bilimoria, K. Y., Hu, Y. 2021

    Abstract

    OBJECTIVE: Although well-established metrics exist to measure workplace burnout, researchers disagree about how to categorize individuals based on assessed symptoms. Using a person-centered approach, this study identifies classes of burnout symptomatology in a large sample of general surgery residents in the United States.DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS: A survey was administered following the 2018 American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE) to study wellness among U.S. general surgery residents. Latent class models identified distinct classes of residents based on their responses to the emotional exhaustion and depersonalization questions of the modified abbreviated Maslach Burnout Inventory (aMBI). Classes were assigned representative names, and the characteristics of their members and residency programs were compared.RESULTS: The survey was completed by 7415 surgery residents from 263 residency programs nationwide (99.3% response rate). Five burnout classes were found: Burned Out (unfavorable score on all six items, 9.8% of total), Fully Engaged (favorable score on all six items, 23.1%), Fatigued (favorable on all items except frequent fatigue, 32.2%), Overextended (frequent fatigue and burnout from work, 16.7%), and Disengaged (weekly symptoms of fatigue and callousness, 18.1%). Within the more symptomatic classes (Burned Out, Overextended, and Disengaged), men manifested more depersonalization symptoms, whereas women reported more emotional exhaustion symptoms. Burned Out residents were characterized by reports of mistreatment (abuse, sexual harassment, and gender-, racial-, or pregnancy and/or childcare-based discrimination), duty hour violations, dissatisfaction with duty hour regulations or time for rest, and low ABSITE scores.CONCLUSIONS: Burnout is multifaceted, with complex and variable presentations. Latent class modeling categorizes general surgery residents based on their burnout symptomatology. Organizations should tailor their efforts to address the unique manifestations of each class as well as shared drivers.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jsurg.2021.03.019

    View details for PubMedID 33935019

  • The CLL-international prognostic index (CLL-IPI) predicts outcomes in monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis and Rai 0 CLL. Blood Parikh, S. A., Rabe, K. G., Kay, N. E., Call, T. G., Ding, W., Leis, J. F., Kenderian, S. S., Muchtar, E., Wang, Y., Koehler, A., Schwager, S. M., Lesnick, C., Kleinstern, G., Van Dyke, D. L., Hanson, C. A., Braggio, E., Slager, S. L., Shanafelt, T. D. 2021

    Abstract

    The utility of the chronic lymphocytic leukemia - international prognostic index (CLL-IPI) in predicting outcomes of individuals with Rai 0 stage CLL and monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL) is unclear. We identified 969 individuals (415 MBL and 554 Rai 0 CLL; median age=64 years, 65% men) seen at Mayo Clinic between 1/1/2001 and 10/1/2018, and ascertained time to first therapy (TTFT) and overall survival (OS). After a median follow up of 7 years, the risk of disease progression needing therapy was 2.9%/year for MBL (median=not reached) and 5%/year for Rai 0 CLL (median=10.4 years). Among patients with low, intermediate and high/very high risk CLL-IPI risk groups, the estimated 5-year risk of TTFT was 13.5%, 30%, and 58%, respectively, p<0.0001 (c-statistic=0.69); and the estimated 5-year OS was 96.3%, 91.5%, and 76%, respectively, p<0.0001 (c-statistic:0.65). In a multivariable analysis of absolute B-cell count with individual factors of the CLL-IPI, the absolute B-cell count was associated with shorter TTFT (hazard ratio [HR] for each 10 x 109/L increase: 1.31; p<0.0001), and shorter OS (HR: 1.1; p=0.02). The OS of the entire cohort was similar to age- and sex-matched general population of Minnesota (p=0.17), although Rai 0 CLL patients with high and very high risk CLL-IPI score had significantly shorter OS (p=0.01, and p=0.0001, respectively). The results of this study demonstrate the ability of CLL-IPI to predict time from diagnosis to first treatment (an endpoint not impacted by therapy) in a large cohort of patients whose only manifestation of disease is a circulating clonal lymphocyte population.

    View details for DOI 10.1182/blood.2020009813

    View details for PubMedID 33876228

  • The association between perceived electronic health record usability and professional burnout among US nurses. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association : JAMIA Melnick, E. R., West, C. P., Nath, B., Cipriano, P. F., Peterson, C., Satele, D. V., Shanafelt, T., Dyrbye, L. N. 2021

    Abstract

    OBJECTIVES: To measure nurse-perceived electronic health records (EHR) usability with a standardized metric of technology usability and evaluate its association with professional burnout.METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of a random sample of US nurses was conducted in November 2017. EHR usability was measured with the System Usability Scale (SUS; range 0-100) and burnout with the Maslach Burnout Inventory.RESULTS: Among the 86 858 nurses who were invited, 8638 (9.9%) completed the survey. The mean nurse-rated EHR SUS score was 57.6 (SD 16.3). A score of 57.6 is in the bottom 24% of scores across previous studies and categorized with a grade of "F." On multivariable analysis adjusting for age, gender, race, ethnicity, relationship status, children, highest nursing-related degree, mean hours worked per week, years of nursing experience, advanced certification, and practice setting, nurse-rated EHR usability was associated with burnout with each 1 point more favorable SUS score and associated with a 2% lower odds of burnout (OR 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97-0.99; P < .001).CONCLUSIONS: Nurses rated the usability of their current EHR in the low marginal range of acceptability using a standardized metric of technology usability. EHR usability and the odds of burnout were strongly associated with a dose-response relationship.

    View details for DOI 10.1093/jamia/ocab059

    View details for PubMedID 33871018

  • Burnout and Professional Fulfillment in Early and Early-Mid-Career Breast Surgeons. Annals of surgical oncology Zhang, J. Q., Dong, J., Pardo, J., Emhoff, I., Serres, S., Shanafelt, T., James, T. 2021

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: Prior work has shown that burnout among breast surgeons is prevalent and highest in those earlier in their clinical practice career. Therefore, we sought to better understand and identify specific contributors to early-career breast surgeon burnout.METHODS: We analyzed data from our 2017 survey of members of the American Society of Breast Surgeons. The 16-items of the Professional Fulfillment Index were used in determining overall burnout and professional fulfillment scores. Multivariable regressions were performed to evaluate factors related to overall burnout and professional fulfillment.RESULTS: The mean overall burnout score was 1.23 (0-4 scale; higher score unfavorable) for surgeons in practice <5years, compared with 1.39 for surgeons in practice 5-9years and 1.22 for those in practice ≥10years. The mean professional fulfillment score was 2.71 (0-4 scale; higher score favorable) for surgeons in practice <5years, 2.66 for surgeons in practice 5-9years, and 2.67 for surgeons in practice ≥10years. Multivariable analysis showed that burnout was positively correlated with ≥60 work hours per week in the group practicing for <5years, and dedicating less than full time to breast surgery in the group in practice 5-9years. Professional fulfillment was negatively associated with single relationship status in surgeons practicing <5years, and dedicating less than full time to breast surgery for those in practice 5-9years.CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that breast surgeons who have been in practice for 5-9years have particularly high overall burnout rates and additional support focused on this group of breast surgeons may be needed.

    View details for DOI 10.1245/s10434-021-09940-w

    View details for PubMedID 33876361

  • Radiologist Well-Being and Professional Fulfillment in the COVID-19 Era: Fostering Posttraumatic Growth. Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR Kruskal, J. B., Shanafelt, T. 2021

    Abstract

    The acute consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted wellness strategies aimed at mitigating the pre-existing epidemic of burnout in radiology. Specifically, safety measures including social distancing requirements, effective communications, supporting remote and distributed work teams, and newly exposed employment and treatment inequities have challenged many major efforts at fostering professional fulfillment. To get our wellness efforts back on track, and to achieve a new and perhaps even a better "normal," will require refocusing and reconsidering ways to foster and build a culture of wellness, implementing practices that improve work efficiencies, and supporting personal health, wellness behaviors, and resilience. Optimizing meaning in work is also critical for well-being and professional fulfillment. In addition to these earlier approaches, organizations and leaders will need to reprioritize efforts to build high-functioning cohesive and connected teams; to train, implement, and manage peer-support practices; and to support posttraumatic growth. This growth represents the positive psychological changes that can occur after highly challenging life circumstances and, when successful, allows individuals to achieve a higher level of functioning by addressing and learning from the precipitating event. Our practices can support this growth through education, emotional regulation, and disclosure, by developing a narrative that reimagines a hoped-for better future and by finding meaning through services that benefit others.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jacr.2021.03.016

    View details for PubMedID 33865755

  • Establishing Crosswalks Between Common Measures of Burnout in US Physicians. Journal of general internal medicine Brady, K. J., Ni, P., Carlasare, L., Shanafelt, T. D., Sinsky, C. A., Linzer, M., Stillman, M., Trockel, M. T. 2021

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: Physician burnout is often assessed by healthcare organizations. Yet, scores from different burnout measures cannot currently be directly compared, limiting the interpretation of results across organizations or studies.OBJECTIVE: To link common measures of burnout to a single metric in psychometric analyses such that group-level scores from different assessments can be compared.DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey.SETTING: US practices.PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1355 physicians sampled from the American Medical Association Physician Masterfile.MAIN MEASURES: We linked the Stanford Professional Fulfillment Index (PFI) and Mini-Z Single-Item Burnout (MZSIB) scale to the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) in item response theory (IRT) fixed-calibration and equipercentile analyses and created crosswalks mapping PFI and MZSIB scores to corresponding MBI scores. We evaluated the accuracy of the results by comparing physicians' actual MBI scores to those predicted by linking and described the closest cut-point equivalencies across scales linked to the same MBI subscale using the resulting crosswalks.KEY RESULTS: IRT linking produced the most accurate results and was used to create crosswalks mapping (1) PFI Work Exhaustion (PFI-WE) and MZSIB scores to MBI Emotional Exhaustion (MBI-EE) scores and (2) PFI Interpersonal Disengagement (PFI-ID) scores to MBI Depersonalization (MBI-DP) scores. The commonly used MBI-EE raw score cut-point of ≥27 corresponded most closely with respective PFI-WE and MZSIB raw score cut-points of ≥7 and ≥3. The commonly used MBI-DP raw score cut-point of ≥10 corresponded most closely with a PFI-ID raw score cut-point of ≥9.CONCLUSIONS: Our findings allow healthcare organizations using the PFI or MZSIB to compare group-level scores to historical, regional, or national MBI scores (and vice-versa).

    View details for DOI 10.1007/s11606-021-06661-4

    View details for PubMedID 33791938

  • Physician Distress and Burnout: The Neurobiological Perspective. Mayo Clinic proceedings Arnsten, A. F., Shanafelt, T. 2021; 96 (3): 763–69

    Abstract

    Physician burnout and other forms of occupational distress are a significant problem in modern medicine, especially during the coronavirus disease pandemic, yet few doctors are familiar with the neurobiology that contributes to these problems. Burnout has been linked to changes that reduce a physician's sense of control over their own practice, undermine connections with patients and colleagues, interfere with work-life integration, and result in uncontrolled stress. Brain research has revealed that uncontrollable stress, but not controllable stress, impairs the functioning of the prefrontal cortex, a recently evolved brain region that provides top-down regulation over thought, action, and emotion. The prefrontal cortex governs many cognitive operations essential to physicians, including abstract reasoning, higher-order decision making, insight, and the ability to persevere through challenges. However, the prefrontal cortex is remarkably reliant on arousal state and is impaired under conditions of fatigue and/or uncontrollable stress when there are inadequate or excessive levels of the arousal modulators (eg, norepinephrine, dopamine, acetylcholine). With chronic stress exposure, prefrontal gray matter connections are lost, but they can be restored by stress relief. Reduced prefrontal cortex self-regulation may explain several challenges associated with burnout in physicians, including reduced motivation, unprofessional behavior, and suboptimal communication with patients. Understanding this neurobiology may help physicians have a more informed perspective to help relieve or prevent symptoms of burnout and may help administrative leaders to optimize the work environment to create more effective organizations. Efforts to restore a sense of control to physicians may be particularly helpful.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.12.027

    View details for PubMedID 33673923

  • WORK-RELATED STRESSORS IMPACTING END OF LIFE CARE IN HOSPICE: A FOCUS GROUP STUDY Lehto, R. H., Heeter, C., Shanafelt, T., Kamal, A., Miller, P., Paletta, M. ONCOLOGY NURSING SOC. 2021
  • Assessment of the Association of Leadership Behaviors of Supervising Physicians With Personal-Organizational Values Alignment Among Staff Physicians. JAMA network open Shanafelt, T. D., Wang, H., Leonard, M., Hawn, M., McKenna, Q., Majzun, R., Minor, L., Trockel, M. 2021; 4 (2): e2035622

    Abstract

    Importance: Although misalignment of values between physicians and their organization is associated with increased risk of burnout, actionable organizational factors that contribute to perceived values alignment are poorly understood.Objective: To evaluate the association between the leadership behaviors of immediate supervisors and physicians' perception of personal-organizational values alignment.Design, Setting, and Participants: This survey study of faculty physicians and physician leaders at Stanford University School of Medicine was conducted from April 1 to May 13, 2019. The survey included assessments of perceived personal-organizational values alignment, professional fulfillment, and burnout. Physicians also evaluated the leadership behaviors of their immediate supervisor (eg, division chief) using a standardized assessment. Data analysis was performed from May to December 2020.Main Outcomes and Measures: Association between mean leadership behavior score (range, 0-10) of each supervisor and the mean personal-organizational values alignment scores (range, 0-12) for the physicians in their work unit.Results: Of 1924 physicians eligible to participate, 1285 (67%) returned surveys. Among these, 651 (51%) were women and 729 (57%) were aged 40 years or older. Among the 117 physician leaders evaluated, 66 (56%) had their leadership behavior independently evaluated by at least 5 physicians and were included in analyses. The mean (SD) personal-organizational values alignment score on the 0 to 12 scale was 6.19 (3.21). As the proportion of work effort devoted to clinical care increased, values alignment scores decreased. Personal-organizational values alignment scores demonstrated an inverse correlation with burnout (r=-0.39; P<.001) and a positive correlation with professional fulfillment (r=0.52; P<.001). The aggregate leader behavior score of the 66 leaders evaluated correlated with the mean values alignment score for physicians in their work unit (r=0.53; P<.001). Aggregate leader behavior score was associated with 21.6% of the variation in personal-organizational values alignment scores between work units. After adjusting for age, gender, academic rank, work hours, physician-leader gender concordance, and time devoted to clinical care, each 1-point increase in leadership score of immediate supervisor was associated with a 0.56-point (95% CI, 0.46-0.66; P<.001) increase in personal-organizational values alignment score.Conclusions and Relevance: This survey study's results suggest that physicians experience their organization through the prism of their work unit leader. Organizational efforts to improve values alignment should attend to the development of first-line physician leaders.

    View details for DOI 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.35622

    View details for PubMedID 33560424

  • The Role of Personal Accomplishment in General Surgery Resident Wellbeing. Annals of surgery Khorfan, R., Hu, Y., Agarwal, G., Eng, J., Riall, T., Choi, J., Are, C., Shanafelt, T., Bilimoria, K. Y., Cheung, E. O. 2021

    Abstract

    OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of personal accomplishment (PA) with the other subscales, assess its association with well-being outcomes, and evaluate drivers of PA by resident level.BACKGROUND: Most studies investigating physician burnout focus on the emotional exhaustion (EE) and depersonalization (DP) subscales, neglecting PA. Therefore, the role of PA is not well understood.METHODS: General surgery residents were surveyed following the 2019 American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination regarding their learning environment. Pearson correlations of PA with EE and DP were assessed. Multivariable logistic regression models assessed the association of PA with attrition, job satisfaction, and suicidality and identified factors associated with PA by postgraduate year.RESULTS: Residents from 301 programs were surveyed (85.6% response rate, N=6,956). Overall, 89.4% reported high PA, which varied by PGY-level (PGY1: 91.0%, PGY2/3: 87.7%, PGY4/5: 90.2%; p=0.02). PA was not significantly correlated with EE (r=-0.01) or DP (r=-0.08). After adjusting for EE and DP, PA was associated with attrition (OR 0.60, 95%CI 0.46-0.78) and job satisfaction (OR 3.04, 95%CI 2.45-3.76) but not suicidality (OR 0.72, 95%CI 0.48-1.09). While the only factor significantly associated with PA for interns was resident cooperation, time in operating room and clinical autonomy were significantly associated with PA for PGY2/3. For PGY4/5s, PA was associated with time for patient care, resident cooperation, and mentorship.CONCLUSION: PA is a distinct metric of resident well-being, associated with job satisfaction and attrition. Drivers of PA differ by PGY level and may be targets for intervention to promote resident wellness and engagement.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/SLA.0000000000004768

    View details for PubMedID 33491973

  • The humoral immune response to high-dose influenza vaccine in persons with monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Vaccine Whitaker, J. A., Parikh, S. A., Shanafelt, T. D., Kay, N. E., Kennedy, R. B., Grill, D. E., Goergen, K. M., Call, T. G., Kendarian, S. S., Ding, W., Poland, G. A. 2021

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: Limited data are available regarding the immunogenicity of high-dose influenza vaccine among persons with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and monoclonal B cell lymphocytosis (MBL).METHODS: A prospective pilot study of humoral immune responses to 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 high-dose trivalent influenza vaccine (HD IIV; Fluzone High-Dose; Sanofi Pasteur) was conducted among individuals with MBL and previously untreated CLL. Serum hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) antibody titers were measured at baseline and Day 28 after vaccination; seroprotection and seroconversion rates were determined. Memory B cell responses were assessed by B-cell enzyme-linked immune absorbent spotassays.RESULTS: Thirty subjects (17 CLL and 13 MBL) were included. Median age was 69.5years. Day 28 seroprotection rates for the cohort were 19/30 (63.3%) for A/H1N1; 21/23 (91.3%) for A/H3N2; and 13/30 (43.3%) for influenza B. Those with MBL achieved higher day 28 HAI geometric mean titers (54.1 [4.9, 600.1] vs. 12.1 [1.3, 110.1]; p=0.01) and higher Day 28 seroprotection rates (76.9% vs. 17.6%; p=0.002) against the influenza B-vaccine strain virus than those with CLL.CONCLUSIONS: Immunogenicity of the HD IIV3 in patients with CLL and MBL is lower than reported in healthy adults. Immunogenicity to influenza B was greater in those with MBL than CLL.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.01.001

    View details for PubMedID 33461835

  • Physician Task Load and the Risk of Burnout Among US Physicians in a National Survey. Joint Commission journal on quality and patient safety Harry, E. n., Sinsky, C. n., Dyrbye, L. N., Makowski, M. S., Trockel, M. n., Tutty, M. n., Carlasare, L. E., West, C. P., Shanafelt, T. D. 2021; 47 (2): 76–85

    Abstract

    Cognitive task load can affect providers' ability to perform their job well and may contribute to burnout.The researchers evaluated whether task load, measured by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Task Load Index (TLX), correlated with burnout scores in a large national study of US physicians between October 2017 and March 2018 with a 17.1% response rate. Burnout was measured using the Emotional Exhaustion and Depersonalization scales of the Maslach Burnout Inventory, and a high score on either score was considered a manifestation of professional burnout. The NASA-TLX was chosen to evaluate physician task load (PTL) due to its robust validation and use across many industries, including health care, over the past 30 years. The domains included in the PTL were mental, physical, and temporal demands, and perception of effort.Mean score in task load dimension varied by specialty. In aggregate, high emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and one symptom of burnout was seen in 38.8%, 27.4%, and 44.0% of participants, respectively. The mean PTL score was 260.9/400 (standard deviation = 71.4). The specialties with the highest PTL score were emergency medicine, urology, anesthesiology, general surgery subspecialties, radiology, and internal medicine subspecialties. A dose response relationship between PTL and burnout was observed. For every 40-point (10%) decrease in PTL there was 33% lower odds of experiencing burnout (odds ratio = 0.67, 95% confidence interval = 0.65-0.70, p < 0.0001).The relationship between PTL and burnout may suggest areas of particular focus to improve the practice environment and reduce physician burnout.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jcjq.2020.09.011

    View details for PubMedID 33168367

  • Vascular surgeon wellness and burnout: A report from the Society for Vascular Surgery Wellness Task Force. Journal of vascular surgery Coleman, D. M., Money, S. R., Meltzer, A. J., Wohlauer, M., Drudi, L. M., Freischlag, J. A., Hallbeck, S., Halloran, B., Huber, T. S., Shanafelt, T., Sheahan, M. G. 2021; 73 (6): 1841-1850.e3

    Abstract

    Physician burnout has been linked to medical errors, decreased patient satisfaction, and decreased career longevity. In light of the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular disease, vascular surgeon burnout presents a legitimate public health concern owing to the impact on the adequacy of the vascular surgery workforce. The aims of this study were to define the prevalence of burnout among practicing vascular surgeons and identify factors that contribute to burnout to facilitate future Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) initiatives to mitigate this crisis.In 2018, active SVS members were surveyed electronically and confidentially using the Maslach Burnout Inventory. The survey was tailored to explore specialty-specific issues, and to capture demographic and practice-related characteristics. Emotional exhaustion (EE) and depersonalization (DP) were analyzed as dimensions of burnout. Consistent with convention, surgeons with a high score on the DP and/or EE subscales of the Maslach Burnout Inventory were considered to have at least one manifestation of professional burnout. Risk factors associated with symptoms of burnout were identified using bivariate analyses (χ2, Kruskal-Wallis). Multivariate logistic regression models were developed to identify independent risk factors for burnout.Of 2905 active SVS members, 960 responded to the survey (34% participation rate). After excluding retired surgeons and incomplete submissions, responses from 872 practicing vascular surgeons were analyzed. The mean age was 49.7 ± 11.0 years; the majority of respondents (81%) were male. Primary practice settings were academic (40%), community practice (41%), veteran's hospital (3.3%), active military practice (1.5%), or other. Years in practice averaged 15.7 ± 11.7. Overall, 41% of respondents had at least one symptoms of burnout (ie, high EE and/or high DP), 37% endorsed symptoms of depression in the past month, and 8% indicated they had considered suicide in the last 12 months. In unadjusted analysis, factors significantly associated with burnout (P < .05) included clinical work hours, on-call frequency, electronic medical record and documentation requirements, work-home conflict, and work-related physical pain. On multivariate analysis, age, work-related physical pain and work-home conflict were independent predictors for burnout.Symptoms of burnout and depression are common among vascular surgeons. Advancing age, work-related physical pain, and work-home conflict are independent predictors for burnout among vascular surgeons. Efforts to promote vascular surgeon well-being must address specialty-specific challenges, including the high prevalence of work-home conflict and occupational factors that contribute to work-related pain.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jvs.2020.10.065

    View details for PubMedID 33248123

  • Clinicians and Professional Societies COVID-19 Impact Assessment: Lessons Learned and Compelling Needs. NAM perspectives Madara, J., Miyamoto, S., Farley, J. E., Gong, M., Gorham, M., Humphrey, H., Irons, M., Mehrotra, A., Resneck, J. J., Rushton, C., Shanafelt, T. 2021; 2021

    View details for DOI 10.31478/202105b

    View details for PubMedID 34532690

  • Suicidal Ideation and Attitudes Toward Help Seeking in U.S. Nurses Relative to the General Working Population. The American journal of nursing Kelsey, E. A., West, C. P., Cipriano, P. F., Peterson, C., Satele, D., Shanafelt, T., Dyrbye, L. N. 2021

    Abstract

    Purpose: Although previous studies have revealed professional consequences of burnout among nurses, less is known about the potential personal consequences. This study investigated the prevalence of suicidal ideation and attitudes toward help seeking among U.S. nurses relative to other workers, and the extent to which personal and professional factors, including burnout, were related to suicidal ideation.Methods: In November 2017, a cross-sectional survey was sent to 86,858 nurses who were members of the American Nurses Association and to a probability-based sample of 5,198 U.S. workers. The survey included questions regarding suicidal ideation, burnout, symptoms of depression, individual and professional characteristics, and willingness to seek professional help if a serious emotional problem arose. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with suicidal ideation after controlling for other factors.Results: Among the 7,378 nurse respondents, 403 (5.5%) reported having suicidal ideation within the past year. Most nurses (84.2%) indicated willingness to seek professional help for a serious emotional problem. Yet nurses with suicidal ideation were less likely to report that they'd seek such help (72.6%) than nurses without suicidal ideation (85%). In a multivariable analysis of nurses' data, after controlling for other personal and professional characteristics, we found that burnout was strongly associated with suicidal ideation. Adjusted combined multivariable analyses showed that nurses were more likely than other workers to have suicidal ideation. Both nurses and other workers who reported suicidal ideation were less likely to seek help than were those who did not report such ideation.Conclusions: Compared with other U.S. workers, nurses are at higher risk for suicidal ideation, and nurses with such ideation are more reluctant to seek help than those without it. Burnout contributes to the risk of suicidal ideation. These issues warrant greater attention. Systems- and practice-level interventions must be identified and implemented, both to address the higher prevalences of burnout and suicidal ideation in nurses and to mitigate the stigma about mental health problems and other barriers to seeking help.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/01.NAJ.0000798056.73563.fa

    View details for PubMedID 34629376

  • Preneoplastic Alterations Define CLL DNA Methylome and Persist through Disease Progression and Therapy BLOOD CANCER DISCOVERY Kretzmer, H., Biran, A., Purroy, N., Lemvigh, C. K., Clement, K., Gruber, M., Gu, H., Rassenti, L., Mohammad, A. W., Lesnick, C., Slager, S. L., Braggio, E., Shanafelt, T. D., Kay, N. E., Fernandes, S. M., Brown, J. R., Wang, L., Li, S., Livak, K. J., Neuberg, D. S., Klages, S., Timmermann, B., Kipps, T. J., Campo, E., Gnirke, A., Wu, C. J., Meissner, A. 2021; 2 (1): 54-69

    Abstract

    Most human cancers converge to a deregulated methylome with reduced global levels and elevated methylation at select CpG islands. To investigate the emergence and dynamics of the cancer methylome, we characterized genome-wide DNA methylation in pre-neoplastic monoclonal B cell lymphocytosis (MBL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), including serial samples collected across disease course. We detected the aberrant tumor-associated methylation landscape at CLL diagnosis and found no significantly differentially methylated regions in the high-count MBL-to-CLL transition. Patient methylomes showed remarkable stability with natural disease and post-therapy progression. Single CLL cells were consistently aberrantly methylated, indicating a homogeneous transition to the altered epigenetic state, and a distinct expression profile together with MBL cells compared to normal B cells. Our longitudinal analysis reveals the cancer methylome to emerge early, which may provide a platform for subsequent genetically-driven growth dynamics and together with its persistent presence suggests a central role in the normal-to-cancer transition.

    View details for DOI 10.1158/2643-3230.BCD-19-0058

    View details for Web of Science ID 000727266900002

    View details for PubMedID 33604581

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC7888194

  • Understanding memorably negative provider care delivery experiences: Why patient experiences matter for providers. Healthcare (Amsterdam, Netherlands) Ling, E. J., Shanafelt, T. D., Singer, S. J. 2021; 9 (3): 100544

    Abstract

    Negative experiences contribute to provider dissatisfaction and burnout. Prior research suggests that negative experiences have greater impact on individuals than positive experiences.Interviews were conducted with surgical and oncology care providers (107 MDs, 253 non-MDs) working in 10 geographically diverse, academic and community hospitals across the U.S. Using a thematic network approach, we identified core themes describing drivers of memorably negative experiences. We applied logistic regression with adjustments for multiple comparisons to evaluate the relationship between demographic characteristics and types of experiences.We identified 13 themes from 360 experiences and from these, developed a framework describing how work culture, environment, individual factors, and patient experiences lead to memorably, negative provider experiences. Providers most frequently described negative work environment experiences (158/360) and poor communication experiences with patients and other care professionals (151/360). Across themes, one third of respondents attributed memorably negative experiences to patient experiences (119/360). Midwest providers described patient centeredness more than other providers (OR = 3.9, p < 0.001). Providers from the Northeast, MDs compared to non-MDs, and providers with 15+ years of work experience identified negative insurance-related experiences more frequently (OR = 0.2, P = 0.007; OR = 2.9, P = 0.002 OR = 4.2, P < 0.001).We offer a framework for understanding negative experiences among providers. Our study suggests that across a broad set of causes, improving patient experiences could substantially improve the negative, memorable experiences of providers.Addressing negative patient experiences may have the double benefit of improving patient care and reducing provider burnout.Level III.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.hjdsi.2021.100544

    View details for PubMedID 33894667

  • Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Oncologist Burnout, Emotional Well-Being, and Moral Distress: Considerations for the Cancer Organization's Response for Readiness, Mitigation, and Resilience. JCO oncology practice Hlubocky, F. J., Symington, B. E., McFarland, D. C., Gallagher, C. M., Dragnev, K. H., Burke, J. M., Lee, R. T., El-Jawahri, A. n., Popp, B. n., Rosenberg, A. R., Thompson, M. A., Dizon, D. S., Srivastava, P. n., Patel, M. I., Kamal, A. H., Daugherty, C. K., Back, A. L., Dokucu, M. E., Shanafelt, T. D. 2021: OP2000937

    View details for DOI 10.1200/OP.20.00937

    View details for PubMedID 33555934

  • Wellness-Centered Leadership: Equipping Health Care Leaders to Cultivate Physician Well-Being and Professional Fulfillment. Academic medicine : journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges Shanafelt, T., Trockel, M., Rodriguez, A., Logan, D. 2020; Publish Ahead of Print

    Abstract

    These are challenging times for physicians. Extensive changes in the practice environment have altered the nature of physician's interactions with patients and their role in the health care delivery system. Many physicians feel as if they are "cogs in the wheel" of austere corporations that care more about productivity and finances than compassion or quality. They often do not see how the strategy and plan of their organization align with the values of the profession. Despite their expertise, they frequently do not feel they have a voice or input in the operational plan of their work unit, department, or organization. At their core, the authors believe all of these factors represent leadership issues. Many models of leadership have been proposed, and there are a number of effective philosophies and approaches. Here, the authors propose a new integrative model of Wellness-Centered Leadership (WCL). WCL includes core skills and qualities from the foremost leadership philosophies along with evidence on the relationship between leadership and physician well-being and distills them into a single framework designed to cultivate leadership behaviors that promote engagement and professional fulfillment. The 3 elements of WCL are: care about people always, cultivate individual and team relationships, and inspire change. A summary of the mindset, behaviors, and outcomes of the elements of the WCL model is presented and the application of the elements for physician leaders is discussed. The authors believe that learning and developing the skills that advance these elements should be the aspiration of all health care leaders and a foundational focus of leadership development programs. If cultivated, the authors believe that WCL will empower individual and team performance to address the current problems faced by health care organizations as well as the iterative innovation needed to address challenges that may arise in the decades to come.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/ACM.0000000000003907

    View details for PubMedID 33394666

  • Natural History of Monoclonal B-cell Lymphocytosis (MBL) Among Relatives in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Families. Blood Slager, S. L., Lanasa, M. C., Marti, G. E., Achenbach, S. J., Camp, N. J., Abbasi, F., Kay, N. E., Vachon, C. M., Cerhan, J. R., Johnston, J. B., Call, T. G., Rabe, K. G., Kleinstern, G., Boddicker, N., Norman, A. D., Parikh, S. A., Leis, J. F., Banerji, V., Brander, D. M., Glenn, M. J., Ferrajoli, A., Curtin, K., Braggio, E., Shanafelt, T. D., McMaster, M. L., Weinberg, J. B., Hanson, C. A., Caporaso, N. E. 2020

    Abstract

    CLL has one of the highest familial-risks among cancers. MBL, the precursor to CLL, has a higher prevalence (13-18%) in families with two or more members with CLL compared to the general population (5-12%). Although, the rate of progression to CLL for high-count MBLs (clonal B-cell count500/L) is ~1-5%/year, no low-count MBLs has been reported to progress to date. We report the incidence and natural history of MBL in relatives from CLL families. In 310 CLL families, we screened 1045 relatives for MBL using highly-sensitive flow cytometry and prospectively followed 449 of them. MBL incidence was directly age- and sex-adjusted to the 2010 United States population. CLL cumulative incidence was estimated using Kaplan-Meier survival curves. At baseline, the prevalence of MBL was 22% (235/1045 relatives). After a median follow-up of 8.1 years among 449 relatives, twelve individuals progressed to CLL with a 5-year cumulative incidence of 1.8%. When considering just the 139 relatives with low-count MBL, the 5-year cumulative incidence increased to 5.7%. Finally, 264 had no MBL at baseline of whom 60 individuals subsequently developed MBL (two high-count and 58 low-count MBLs) with an age- and sex-adjusted incidence of 3.5% after a median of 6 years of follow-up. In a screening cohort of relatives from CLL families, we reported progression from normal to low-count MBL to high-count MBL to CLL, demonstrating that low-count MBL precedes progression to CLL. We estimated a 1.1% annual rate of progression from low-count MBL, which is in excess to that in the general population.

    View details for DOI 10.1182/blood.2020006322

    View details for PubMedID 33512457

  • Assessment of Electronic Health Record Use Between US and Non-US Health Systems. JAMA internal medicine Holmgren, A. J., Downing, N. L., Bates, D. W., Shanafelt, T. D., Milstein, A., Sharp, C. D., Cutler, D. M., Huckman, R. S., Schulman, K. A. 2020

    Abstract

    Importance: Understanding how the electronic health record (EHR) system changes clinician work, productivity, and well-being is critical. Little is known regarding global variation in patterns of use.Objective: To provide insights into which EHR activities clinicians spend their time doing, the EHR tools they use, the system messages they receive, and the amount of time they spend using the EHR after hours.Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional study analyzed the deidentified metadata of ambulatory care health systems in the US, Canada, Northern Europe, Western Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania from January 1, 2019, to August 31, 2019. All of these organizations used the EHR software from Epic Systems and represented most of Epic Systems's ambulatory customer base. The sample included all clinicians with scheduled patient appointments, such as physicians and advanced practice practitioners.Exposures: Clinician EHR use was tracked by deidentified and aggregated metadata across a variety of clinical activities.Main Outcomes and Measures: Descriptive statistics for clinician EHR use included time spent on clinical activities, note documentation (as measured by the percentage of characters in the note generated by automated or manual data entry source), messages received, and time spent after hours.Results: A total of 371 health systems were included in the sample, of which 348 (93.8%) were located in the US and 23 (6.2%) were located in other countries. US clinicians spent more time per day actively using the EHR compared with non-US clinicians (mean time, 90.2 minutes vs 59.1 minutes; P<.001). In addition, US clinicians vs non-US clinicians spent significantly more time performing 4 clinical activities: notes (40.7 minutes vs 30.7 minutes; P<.001), orders (19.5 minutes vs 8.75 minutes; P<.001), in-basket messages (12.5 minutes vs 4.80 minutes; P<.001), and clinical review (17.6 minutes vs 14.8 minutes; P=.01). Clinicians in the US composed more automated note text than their non-US counterparts (77.5% vs 60.8% of note text; P<.001) and received statistically significantly more messages per day (33.8 vs 12.8; P<.001). Furthermore, US clinicians used the EHR for a longer time after hours, logging in 26.5 minutes per day vs 19.5 minutes per day for non-US clinicians (P=.01). The median US clinician spent as much time actively using the EHR per day (90.1 minutes) as a non-US clinician in the 99th percentile of active EHR use time per day (90.7 minutes) in the sample. These results persisted after controlling for organizational characteristics, including structure, type, size, and daily patient volume.Conclusions and Relevance: This study found that US clinicians compared with their non-US counterparts spent substantially more time actively using the EHR for a wide range of clinical activities or tasks. This finding suggests that US clinicians have a greater EHR burden that may be associated with nontechnical factors, which policy makers and health system leaders should consider when addressing clinician wellness.

    View details for DOI 10.1001/jamainternmed.2020.7071

    View details for PubMedID 33315048

  • Perceived electronic health record usability as a predictor of task load and burnout among US physicians: A mediation analysis. Journal of medical Internet research Melnick, E. R., Harry, E., Sinsky, C. A., Dyrbye, L. N., Wang, H., Trockel, M. T., West, C. P., Shanafelt, T. 2020

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: EHR usability and physician task load both contribute to physician professional burnout. The association between perceived EHR usability and workload has not previously been studied at a national level. Better understanding these interactions could give further information as to the drivers of extraneous task load.OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between physician perceived EHR usability and workload by specialty, and evaluate for associations with professional burnout.METHODS: A secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey of US physicians from all specialties that was conducted from October 2017 to March 2018. Among the 1,250 physicians invited to respond to the sub-survey analyzed here, 848 (67.8%) completed it. EHR usability was assessed with the System Usability Scale (SUS; range 0-100). Provider task load (PTL) was assessed using the mental demand, physical demand, temporal demand, and effort required subscales of the NASA-Task Load Index (TLX; range 0-400). Burnout was measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory.RESULTS: The mean scores were SUS 46.1 (SD 46.1) and PTL 262.5 (SD 71.7). On multivariable analysis adjusting for age, gender, relationship status, medical specialty, practice setting, hours worked per week, and number of nights on call per week, physician-rated EHR usability was associated with PTL with each 1 point more favorable SUS score associated with a 0.57 point lower PTL score (p < .001). On mediation analysis, higher SUS was associated with lower PTL, which was associated with lower odds of burnout.CONCLUSIONS: A strong association was observed between EHR usability and workload among US physicians with more favorable usability associated with less workload. Both outcomes were associated with the odds of burnout with task load acting as a mediator between EHR usability and burnout. Improving EHR usability while decreasing task load has the potential to allow practicing physicians more working memory for medical decision-making and patient communication.CLINICALTRIAL: Not applicable.

    View details for DOI 10.2196/23382

    View details for PubMedID 33289493

  • Assessment of Physician Sleep and Wellness, Burnout, and Clinically Significant Medical Errors. JAMA network open Trockel, M. T., Menon, N. K., Rowe, S. G., Stewart, M. T., Smith, R., Lu, M., Kim, P. K., Quinn, M. A., Lawrence, E., Marchalik, D., Farley, H., Normand, P., Felder, M., Dudley, J. C., Shanafelt, T. D. 2020; 3 (12): e2028111

    Abstract

    Importance: Sleep-related impairment in physicians is an occupational hazard associated with long and sometimes unpredictable work hours and may contribute to burnout and self-reported clinically significant medical error.Objective: To assess the associations between sleep-related impairment and occupational wellness indicators in physicians practicing at academic-affiliated medical centers and the association of sleep-related impairment with self-reported clinically significant medical errors, before and after adjusting for burnout.Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional study used physician wellness survey data collected from 11 academic-affiliated medical centers between November 2016 and October 2018. Analysis was completed in January 2020. A total of 19 384 attending physicians and 7257 house staff physicians at participating institutions were invited to complete a wellness survey. The sample of responders was used for this study.Exposures: Sleep-related impairment.Main Outcomes and Measures: Association between sleep-related impairment and occupational wellness indicators (ie, work exhaustion, interpersonal disengagement, overall burnout, and professional fulfillment) was hypothesized before data collection. Assessment of the associations of sleep-related impairment and burnout with self-reported clinically significant medical errors (ie, error within the last year resulting in patient harm) was planned after data collection.Results: Of all physicians invited to participate in the survey, 7700 of 19 384 attending physicians (40%) and 3695 of 7257 house staff physicians (51%) completed sleep-related impairment items, including 5279 women (46%), 5187 men (46%), and 929 (8%) who self-identified as other gender or elected not to answer. Because of institutional variation in survey domain inclusion, self-reported medical error responses from 7538 physicians were available for analyses. Spearman correlations of sleep-related impairment with interpersonal disengagement (r=0.51; P<.001), work exhaustion (r=0.58; P<.001), and overall burnout (r=0.59; P<.001) were large. Sleep-related impairment correlation with professional fulfillment (r=-0.40; P<.001) was moderate. In a multivariate model adjusted for gender, training status, medical specialty, and burnout level, compared with low sleep-related impairment levels, moderate, high, and very high levels were associated with increased odds of self-reported clinically significant medical error, by 53% (odds ratio, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.12-2.09), 96% (odds ratio, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.46-2.63), and 97% (odds ratio, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.45-2.69), respectively.Conclusions and Relevance: In this study, sleep-related impairment was associated with increased burnout, decreased professional fulfillment, and increased self-reported clinically significant medical error. Interventions to mitigate sleep-related impairment in physicians are warranted.

    View details for DOI 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.28111

    View details for PubMedID 33284339

  • Association of Physician Burnout With Suicidal Ideation and Medical Errors. JAMA network open Menon, N. K., Shanafelt, T. D., Sinsky, C. A., Linzer, M., Carlasare, L., Brady, K. J., Stillman, M. J., Trockel, M. T. 2020; 3 (12): e2028780

    Abstract

    Importance: Addressing physician suicide requires understanding its association with possible risk factors such as burnout and depression.Objective: To assess the association between burnout and suicidal ideation after adjusting for depression and the association of burnout and depression with self-reported medical errors.Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional study was conducted from November 12, 2018, to February 15, 2019. Attending and postgraduate trainee physicians randomly sampled from the American Medical Association Physician Masterfile were emailed invitations to complete an online survey in waves until a convenience sample of more than 1200 practicing physicians agreed to participate.Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was the association of burnout with suicidal ideation after adjustment for depression. The secondary outcome was the association of burnout and depression with self-reported medical errors. Burnout, depression, suicidal ideation, and medical errors were measured using subscales of the Stanford Professional Fulfillment Index, Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey for Medical Personnel, and Mini-Z burnout survey and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System depression Short Form. Associations were evaluated using multivariable regression models.Results: Of the 1354 respondents, 893 (66.0%) were White, 1268 (93.6%) were non-Hispanic, 762 (56.3%) were men, 912 (67.4%) were non-primary care physicians, 934 (69.0%) were attending physicians, and 824 (60.9%) were younger than 45 years. Each SD-unit increase in burnout was associated with 85% increased odds of suicidal ideation (odds ratio [OR], 1.85; 95% CI, 1.47-2.31). After adjusting for depression, there was no longer an association (OR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.63-1.17). In the adjusted model, each SD-unit increase in depression was associated with 202% increased odds of suicidal ideation (OR, 3.02; 95% CI, 2.30-3.95). In the adjusted model for self-reported medical errors, each SD-unit increase in burnout was associated with an increase in self-reported medical errors (OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.28-1.71), whereas depression was not associated with self-reported medical errors (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.88-1.16).Conclusions and Relevance: The results of this cross-sectional study suggest that depression but not physician burnout is directly associated with suicidal ideation. Burnout was associated with self-reported medical errors. Future investigation might examine whether burnout represents an upstream intervention target to prevent suicidal ideation by preventing depression.

    View details for DOI 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.28780

    View details for PubMedID 33295977

  • Physician Burnout, Resilience, and Patient Experience in a Community Practice: Correlations and the Central Role of Activation. Journal of patient experience Howell, T. G., Mylod, D. E., Lee, T. H., Shanafelt, T., Prissel, P. 2020; 7 (6): 1491–1500

    Abstract

    Clinician burnout and patient experience are important issues that are often considered separately. New measures of resilience may influence both. We explored relationships among clinician resilience, burnout, and patient experience. Analysis included 490 physicians who completed surveys measuring burnout and resilience (decompression and activation) and had at least 30 patient experience surveys available for analysis. Burnout was measured with 2 items from the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) which were part of the organization's ongoing measurement of clinician experience. Resilience was measured with 8 items from 2 Press Ganey validated subscales related to clinicians' ability to decompress from work and their experience of feeling of activation and connection to purpose while at work. Clinicians reporting more frequent symptoms of burnout based on the MBI items reported less ability to decompress (r for individual measures ranged from -.183 to -.475, P < .01) and less feeling of activation (r for individual measures ranged from -.116 to -.401, P < .01). Individual elements of decompression and activation were significantly associated with patient experience. In terms of activation, feeling that one's work makes a difference (r ranged from .121 to .159, P < .05) and believing one's work to be meaningful (r ranged from .102 to .135, P < .05) were positively associated with patient experience with their care provider. However, elements of decompression such as being able to free one's mind from work (r ranged from -.092 to -.119, P < .05) and being able to disconnect from work communications such as e-mails (r ranged from -.094 to -.130, P < .05) were negatively associated with patient experience with their care providers. Patient and provider experience are intertwined in that clinician resilience is associated with both burnout and patient experience, but individual mechanisms of resilience may be beneficial for the clinician but not for the patient.

    View details for DOI 10.1177/2374373519888343

    View details for PubMedID 33457606

  • From Clinician to Organizational Wellness Reply ACADEMIC MEDICINE Mountsinai, R., Shanafelt, T. 2020; 95 (11): 1627–28
  • Responsibilities and Job Characteristics of Health Care Chief Wellness Officers in the United States. Mayo Clinic proceedings Shanafelt, T., Farley, H., Wang, H., Ripp, J., CHARM CWO Network 2020; 95 (11): 2563–66

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.09.004

    View details for PubMedID 33153644

  • In Reply to Egener. Academic medicine : journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges Ripp, J., Shanafelt, T. 2020; 95 (11): 1627–28

    View details for DOI 10.1097/ACM.0000000000003668

    View details for PubMedID 33109963

  • Ability of the Well-Being Index to identify pharmacists in distress JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN PHARMACISTS ASSOCIATION Skrupky, L. P., West, C. P., Shanafelt, T., Satele, D., Dyrbye, L. N. 2020; 60 (6): 906-+

    Abstract

    Well-being and distress are important issues in the pharmacist workforce; yet, there is limited evidence evaluating the validity of practical screening tools among pharmacists.To evaluate the ability of the Well-Being Index (WBI) to (1) identify the well-being and dimensions of distress in pharmacists, and (2) stratify pharmacists' likelihood of adverse professional consequences.In July 2019, a national sample of pharmacists completed the Web-based version of the 9-item WBI (score range -2 to 9) and standardized instruments to assess quality of life (QOL), fatigue, burnout, concern for a recent major medication error, and intent to leave the current job. The Fisher exact test or chi-square test was used, as appropriate, to obtain the univariate odds ratio, posttest probabilities, and likelihood ratios associated with the WBI score for each outcome.A total of 2231 pharmacists completed the survey. The most common practice settings were community pharmacies-chain (36.7%) and independent (10.7%)-followed by hospitals or health systems (20.1%) and academia (11.7%). The mean overall WBI score was 3.3 ± 2.73 (mean ± SD). Low QOL, extreme fatigue, and burnout symptoms were present in 34.8%, 35.3%, and 59.1%, respectively, of the responders. As the WBI score increased, the odds for low QOL, fatigue, burnout, concern for a recent major medication error, and intent to leave the current position increased incrementally. The WBI score also stratified the odds of high QOL. Assuming a pretest burnout probability of 59.1% (prevalence of the overall sample), the WBI lowered the posttest probability to 2% or raised it to 98% with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.87.The WBI may serve as a useful tool to gauge well-being and to identify pharmacists who may be experiencing important dimensions of distress and have increased risk for adverse professional consequences.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.japh.2020.06.015

    View details for Web of Science ID 000585761700086

    View details for PubMedID 32682708

  • A national study of personal accomplishment, burnout, and satisfaction with work-life integration among advance practice nurses relative to other workers. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners Dyrbye, L. N., West, C. P., Kelsey, E. A., Gossard, A. A., Satele, D., Shanafelt, T. 2020

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: There is a high prevalence of burnout among health care professionals, but little remains known about burnout and satisfaction with work-life integration (WLI) among advance practice nurses (APNs).PURPOSE: To evaluate burnout and satisfaction with WLI among APNs compared with other US workers.METHODS: A national sample of APNs and a probability-based sample of US workers completed a survey that measured burnout and satisfaction with WLI.RESULTS: Of the 976 (47%) APNs who completed the survey 64% had high personal accomplishment, 36.6% had symptoms of overall burnout, and 60.6% were satisfied with their WLI. In multivariable analysis, work hours (for each additional hour odds ratio [OR] 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.04, p < .001) and working in an outpatient setting (overall p = .03; referent hospital: outpatient, OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.17-2.18; other/unknown, OR 1.41, 95% CI 0.90-2.22, p = .13) were independently associated with having higher odds of burnout. Work hours were also independently associated with lower odds of satisfaction with WLI (for each additional hour OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.94-0.95, p < .001). Advance practice nurses were not more likely to have burnout or have greater struggles with WLI than other workers.IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Findings from this study suggest APNs have high levels of personal accomplishment and a favorable occupational health profile. Advance practice nurses do not appear at higher risk of burnout or dissatisfaction with WLI than other US workers.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/JXX.0000000000000517

    View details for PubMedID 33105317

  • Analysis of ECOG-ACRIN clinical trials to advance longitudinal assessment of cancer treatment tolerability Peipert, J., Zhao, F., Lee, J., Hong, F., Ip, E., Gareen, I., Carlos, R., Mayer, I., Miller, K., Partridge, A., Shanafelt, T., Stewart, K., Tarhini, A., Thomas, M., Weiss, M., Cella, D., Gray, R., Wagner, L. I. SPRINGER. 2020: S13
  • Addressing Burnout Among Health Care Professionals by Focusing on Process Rather Than Metrics. JAMA health forum Marchalik, D., Shanafelt, T. 2020; 1 (9): e201161

    View details for DOI 10.1001/jamahealthforum.2020.1161

    View details for PubMedID 36218744

  • Relationship Between Burnout and Professional Behaviors and Beliefs Among US Nurses. Journal of occupational and environmental medicine Dyrbye, L., West, C. P., Hunderfund, A. L., Johnson, P., Cipriano, P., Peterson, C., Beatty, D., Major-Elechi, B., Shanafelt, T. 2020

    Abstract

    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between burnout and professional behaviors and beliefs among US nurses.METHODS: We used data from 2256 nurses who completed a survey that included the Maslach Burnout Inventory and items exploring their professional conduct (documented something they had not done so they could 'close out' an encounter in the EHR or part of the assessment not completed, requested continuing education credit for an activity not attended) and beliefs about reporting impaired colleagues.RESULTS: On multivariable analysis, burnout was independently associated with higher odds of reporting 1 or more unprofessional behaviors in the last year and not believing nurses have a duty to report impairment among colleagues due to substance use or mental health problems.CONCLUSIONS: Occupational burnout is associated with self-reported unprofessional behaviors and less favorable beliefs about reporting impaired colleagues among nurses.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/JOM.0000000000002014

    View details for PubMedID 32868601

  • Hospice Employees' Perceptions of Their Work Environment: A Focus Group Perspective. International journal of environmental research and public health Lehto, R. H., Heeter, C., Forman, J., Shanafelt, T., Kamal, A., Miller, P., Paletta, M. 2020; 17 (17)

    Abstract

    Burnout in healthcare professionals can lead to adverse effects on physical and mental health, lower quality of care, and workforce shortages as employees leave the profession. Hospice professionals are thought to be at particularly high risk for burnout. The purpose of the study was to evaluate workplace perceptions of interdisciplinary hospice care workers who provide care to patients at end of life. Six focus groups and one semi-structured interview were conducted with mixed group of social workers, managers, nurses, hospice aides, chaplains, support staff, and a physician (n = 19). Findings from the groups depicted both rewards and challenges of hospice caregiving. Benefits included intrinsic satisfaction from the work, receiving positive patient and family feedback, and teamwork. Challenges reflected issues with workload, technology issues, administrative demands, travel-related problems, communication and interruptions, difficulties with taking time off from work and maintaining work-life integration, and coping with witnessing grief/loss. Hospice workers glean satisfaction from making meaningful differences in the lives of patients with terminal illness and their family members. It is an expected part of the job that certain patients and situations are particularly distressing; team support and targeted grief support is available for those times. Participants indicated that workload and administrative demands rather than dealing with death and dying were the biggest contributors to burnout. Participants reported episodic symptoms of burnout followed by deliberate steps to alleviate these symptoms. Notably, for all except one of the participants, burnout was cyclical. Symptoms would begin, they would take steps to deal with it (e.g., taking a mental health day), and they recovered. At an organizational level, a multipronged approach that includes both personal and occupational strategies is needed to support professional caregivers and help mitigate the stressors associated with hospice work.

    View details for DOI 10.3390/ijerph17176147

    View details for PubMedID 32847036

  • Delineation of clinical and biological factors associated with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma amongst chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology Kleinstern, G., Rishi, A., Achenbach, S. J., Rabe, K. G., Kay, N. E., Shanafelt, T. D., Ding, W., Leis, J. F., Norman, A. D., Call, T. G., Cerhan, J. R., Parikh, S. A., Baum, C. L., Slager, S. L. 2020

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: The incidence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients is significantly higher compared to age- and sex- matched controls.OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of factors associated with SCC risk.METHODS: Clinical CLL and SCC data were obtained from Mayo Clinic CLL resource and self-reported questionnaires among newly diagnosed CLL patients. We computed the CLL International Prognostic Index (CLL-IPI), from CLL prognostic factors, and a polygenetic risk score (PRS) from SCC susceptibility variants. We used Cox regression to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).RESULTS: Among 1269 CLL patients, the median follow-up was 7 years, and 124 patients subsequently developed SCC. Significant associations with SCC risk were history of skin cancer (HR=4.80,CI:3.37-6.83), CLL-IPI (HR=1.42,CI:1.13-1.80), and PRS (HR=2.58,CI:1.50-4.43). In a multivariable model, these factors were independent predictors (c-statistic=0.69,CI:0.62-0.76). T-cell immunosuppressive treatments was also associated with SCC risk (HR=2.29,CI:1.47-3.55, adjusted for age, sex, and prior SCC).LIMITATIONS: Sample size decreases when combining all risk factors in a single model.CONCLUSION: SCC risk includes history of skin cancer, an aggressive disease at time of CLL diagnosis, receiving T-cell immunosuppressive treatments, and high-PRS. Future studies should develop prediction models that include these factors to improved screening guidelines.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.06.1024

    View details for PubMedID 32682027

  • RESILIENCE AND BURNOUT AMONG PHYSICIANS AND THE GENERAL US WORKING POPULATION West, C. P., Dyrbye, L., Sinsky, C., Trockel, M., Tutty, M., Nedelec, L., Carlasare, L. E., Shanafelt, T. SPRINGER. 2020: S257
  • Resilience and Burnout Among Physicians and the General US Working Population. JAMA network open West, C. P., Dyrbye, L. N., Sinsky, C., Trockel, M., Tutty, M., Nedelec, L., Carlasare, L. E., Shanafelt, T. D. 2020; 3 (7): e209385

    Abstract

    Importance: The prevalence of physician burnout is well documented, and resilience training has been proposed as an option to support physician well-being. However, the resilience of physicians compared with that of the US working population is not established, and the association between resilience and physician burnout is not well understood.Objectives: To evaluate resilience among physicians and US workers, and to determine the association between resilience and burnout among US physicians.Design, Setting, and Participants: A cross-sectional national survey study of 5445 US physicians and a probability-based sample of 5198 individuals in the US working population was conducted between October 12, 2017, and March 15, 2018.Main Outcomes and Measures: Resilience was measured using the 2-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (total scores range from 0-8; higher scores indicate greater resilience); burnout was measured using the full Maslach Burnout Inventory with overall burnout indicated by a score of at least 27 on the 0 to 54 emotional exhaustion subscale and/or at least 10 on the depersonalization subscale (higher scores indicate greater burnout).Results: Of 30 456 physicians who received an invitation to participate, 5445 (17.9%) completed surveys (2995 men [62.1%]; median [IQR] age of 53 [42-62] years). In multivariable analysis, mean (SD) resilience scores were higher among physicians than the general employed population (6.49 [1.30] vs 6.25 [1.37]; adjusted mean difference, 0.25 points; 95% CI, 0.19-0.32; P<.001). Among physicians, resilience was associated with burnout. Physicians without overall burnout had higher mean (SD) resilience scores than physicians with burnout (6.82 [1.15] vs 6.13 [1.36]; adjusted mean difference, 0.68 points, 95% CI, 0.61-0.76; P<.001). Each 1-point increase in resilience score was associated with 36% lower odds of overall burnout (odds ratio, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.60-0.67; P<.001). However, 392 of 1350 physicians (29%) with the highest possible resilience score had burnout.Conclusions and Relevance: The findings of this national survey study suggest that physicians exhibited higher levels of resilience than the general working population in the US. Resilience was inversely associated with burnout symptoms, but burnout rates were substantial even among the most resilient physicians. Additional solutions, including efforts to address system issues in the clinical care environment, are needed to reduce burnout and promote physician well-being.

    View details for DOI 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.9385

    View details for PubMedID 32614425

  • Describing the emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment symptoms associated with Maslach Burnout Inventory subscale scores in US physicians: an item response theory analysis. Journal of patient-reported outcomes Brady, K. J., Ni, P., Sheldrick, R. C., Trockel, M. T., Shanafelt, T. D., Rowe, S. G., Schneider, J. I., Kazis, L. E. 2020; 4 (1): 42

    Abstract

    PURPOSE: Current US health policy discussions regarding physician burnout have largely been informed by studies employing the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI); yet, there is little in the literature focused on interpreting MBI scores. We described the burnout symptoms and precision associated with MBI scores in US physicians.METHODS: Using item response theory (IRT) analyses of secondary, cross-sectional survey data, we created response profiles describing the probability of burnout symptoms associated with US physicians' MBI emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and personal accomplishment (PA) subscale scores. Response profiles were mapped to raw subscale scores and used to predict symptom endorsements at mean scores and commonly used cut-points.RESULTS: The average US physician was likely to endorse feeling he/she is emotionally drained, used up, frustrated, and working too hard and all PA indicators once weekly or more but was unlikely to endorse feeling any DP symptoms once weekly or more. At the commonly used EE and DP cut-points of 27 and 10, respectively, a physician was unlikely to endorse feeling burned out or any DP symptoms once weekly or more. Each subscale assessed the majority of sample score ranges with ≥ 0.70 reliability.CONCLUSIONS: We produced a crosswalk mapping raw MBI subscale scores to scaled scores and response profiles calibrated in a US physician sample. Our results can be used to better understand the meaning and precision of MBI scores in US physicians; compare individual/group MBI scores against a reference population of US physicians; and inform the selection of subscale cut-points for defining categorical physician burnout outcomes.

    View details for DOI 10.1186/s41687-020-00204-x

    View details for PubMedID 32488344

  • Association of Perceived Electronic Health Record Usability With Patient Interactions and Work-Life Integration Among US Physicians. JAMA network open Melnick, E. R., Sinsky, C. A., Dyrbye, L. N., Trockel, M., West, C. P., Nedelec, L., Shanafelt, T. 2020; 3 (6): e207374

    View details for DOI 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.7374

    View details for PubMedID 32568397

  • Advancing Physician Well-Being: A Population Health Framework. Mayo Clinic proceedings Trockel, M., Corcoran, D., Minor, L. B., Shanafelt, T. D. 2020

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.02.014

    View details for PubMedID 32499127

  • Atrial fibrillation in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) treated with ibrutinib: risk prediction, management, and clinical outcomes. Annals of hematology Archibald, W. J., Rabe, K. G., Kabat, B. F., Herrmann, J., Ding, W., Kay, N. E., Kenderian, S. S., Muchtar, E., Leis, J. F., Wang, Y., Chanan-Khan, A. A., Schwager, S. M., Koehler, A. B., Fonder, A. L., Slager, S. L., Shanafelt, T. D., Call, T. G., Parikh, S. A. 2020

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: Ibrutinib therapy is associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Risk assessment tools and outcomes of AF in these patients are not well described.METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients with CLL treated with ibrutinib at Mayo Clinic between October 2012 and November 2018.RESULTS: Two hundred ninety-eight patients were identified with a median time on ibrutinib of 19 months (range 0.23-69.7 months). Fifty-one patients developed treatment-emergent AF; the risk of treatment-emergent AF at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years was 9%, 12%, and 16%, respectively. The following were associated with an increased risk of treatment-emergent AF on multivariable analyses: past history of AF (hazard ratio [HR] 3.5, p = 0.0072) and heart failure (HR 3.4, p = 0.0028). Most patients are able to continue ibrutinib therapy (dose reduced in 43%). Development of treatment-emergent AF was associated with shorter event-free survival (EFS; HR 2.0, p = 0.02) and shorter overall survival (OS; HR 3.2, p = 0.001), after adjusting for age, prior treatment status, TP53 disruption, heart failure, valvular disease, and past history of AF.CONCLUSIONS: Patient comorbidities, rather than CLL-related factors, predict risk of treatment-emergent AF in patients treated with ibrutinib. Although the vast majority of patients with treatment-emergent AF are able to continue ibrutinib (with dose reduction in 43%), treatment-emergent AF appears to be associated with worse outcomes, independent of other adverse prognostic factors.

    View details for DOI 10.1007/s00277-020-04094-3

    View details for PubMedID 32488603

  • Cause of death in patients with newly diagnosed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) stratified by the CLL-International Prognostic Index (CLL-IPI). Wang, Y., Achenbach, S. J., Rabe, K. G., Shanafelt, T. D., Call, T., Ding, W., Kenderian, S., Muchtar, E., Leis, J., Koehler, A., Schwager, S. M., Cerhan, J., Slager, S. L., Kay, N. E., Parikh, S. AMER SOC CLINICAL ONCOLOGY. 2020
  • Burnout and satisfaction with work-life integration among PAs relative to other workers. JAAPA : official journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants Dyrbye, L. N., West, C. P., Halasy, M., OʼLaughlin, D. J., Satele, D., Shanafelt, T. 2020; 33 (5): 35–44

    Abstract

    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate burnout and satisfaction with work-life integration among physician assistants (PAs) compared with other US workers.METHODS: We surveyed PAs and a probability-based sample of US workers. The survey included the Maslach Burnout Inventory and an item on satisfaction with work-life integration.RESULTS: Overall, 41.4% of PAs had burnout symptoms and 65.3% were satisfied with their work-life integration. In multivariable analysis, working in emergency medicine and dissatisfaction with control of workload and work-life integration were independently associated with having higher odds of burnout. PAs were more likely to have burnout than other workers but did not have greater struggles with work-life integration.CONCLUSION: Findings from this study suggest burnout and dissatisfaction with work-life integration are common. PAs appear at higher risk for burnout than workers in other fields.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/01.JAA.0000660156.17502.e6

    View details for PubMedID 32345947

  • The Health Care Chief Wellness Officer: What the Role Is and Is Not. Academic medicine : journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges Ripp, J., Shanafelt, T. 2020

    Abstract

    Occupational distress among clinicians and its impact on quality of care is a major threat to the health care delivery system. To address threats to clinician well-being, many institutions have introduced a new senior leadership position-the health care chief wellness officer (CWO). This role is distinct from CWOs or other wellness leadership positions that have historically existed outside of medicine. The health care CWO role was established to reduce widespread occupational distress in clinicians by improving the work environment rather than by promoting health behaviors to reduce health insurance costs. A complex array of system-level drivers has contributed to clinician distress. Developing and overseeing the execution of a strategy to address these challenges and working in partnership with other operational leaders to improve well-being require a correctly placed senior leader with the appropriate authority and resources, such as a CWO.Health care CWOs must focus primarily on improving their organizations' work environment and culture, not on developing individual-level interventions, such as personal resilience, mindfulness, and self-care offerings. The goal of this work is to address what is wrong with the practice environment, not to make individuals better able to tolerate a broken system. Metrics to evaluate organizational progress as well as the efficacy of the health care CWO and his or her team are discussed in this Perspective. Occupational distress in clinicians is widespread and has implications for quality of care. Vanguard organizations have begun to put into place the leaders, infrastructure, and improvement teams necessary to address this issue. The health care CWO plays a critical role in the effectiveness of these efforts.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/ACM.0000000000003433

    View details for PubMedID 32324635

  • Fortifying Our Teams to Best Serve Our Patients: A Report of the 2019 Summer Intersociety Meeting. Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR Kruskal, J., Meltzer, C. C., Shanafelt, T., Gupta, S., Rawson, J., Deitte, L., Gibbs, I., Raybon, C., West, D., Canon, C. 2020

    Abstract

    Continuing the thematic focus on fostering wellness and professional fulfillment in our workplace, the 2019 Radiology Intersociety Committee Conference focused on understanding and leading multigenerational workforces and developing high-functioning teams. To lead a multigenerational workforce and to understand and embrace traditional versus emerging cultures in our workplace, effective leaders should foster diversity of their teams. Sustaining such teams requires an understanding of different styles and preferences for bidirectional communication and clarity of information sharing and learning; active efforts may be needed to focus on practical approaches to succession planning, breaking down traditional hierarchies, clarifying role delineation, and managing authority gradients. An effective team requires attention to the well-being of team members and professional behavior in and out of the workplace. Conference participants unanimously endorsed multi-organizational support statements and activities assuring professional behavior of their members, along with the desire to explore codes of conduct and ethics.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jacr.2020.03.007

    View details for PubMedID 32289282

  • Original Research: An Investigation of Career Choice Regret Among American Nurses. The American journal of nursing Dyrbye, L., West, C., Johnson, P., Cipriano, P., Peterson, C., Beatty, D., Major-Elechi, B., Shanafelt, T. 2020; 120 (4): 24–33

    Abstract

    PURPOSE: To explore whether burnout is an independent predictor of career choice regret among nurses.METHODS: In November 2017 we invited a random sample of 89,995 members of the American Nurses Association to participate in an anonymous online survey. The survey collected demographic and professional information and included the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey for Medical Personnel (known as the MBI-HSS [MP]), as well as several items exploring career choice regret. Of the 86,858 nurses who received the e-mail invitation, 8,638 (9.9%) responded. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted for the final sample of 6,933 nurses who provided complete responses to the MBI-HSS (MP) and the career choice regret survey items.RESULTS: Fifteen percent of the 6,933 participating nurses had career choice regret. On multivariable analysis, experiencing burnout, working unplanned or mandatory overtime, being male, and having a higher academic degree related to nursing were independent predictors of career choice regret. Burnout was the strongest such predictor.CONCLUSION: Career choice regret among U.S. nurses is relatively common. Of the independent predictors this study identified, burnout had the strongest relationship with career choice regret. Organizational strategies aimed at reducing burnout and supporting nurses' ongoing professional development should be pursued.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/01.NAJ.0000660020.17156.ae

    View details for PubMedID 32218044

  • Association of Occupational Distress and Sleep-Related Impairment in Physicians With Unsolicited Patient Complaints. Mayo Clinic proceedings Welle, D., Trockel, M. T., Hamidi, M. S., Hickson, G. B., Menon, N. K., Shanafelt, T. D., Cooper, W. O. 2020; 95 (4): 719–26

    Abstract

    OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between occupational distress and sleep-related impairment in physicians and unsolicited patient complaints.PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: We used deidentified data from an academic medical center's physician survey administered in April and May of 2013 to perform a retrospective cohort study. Third-party stewards of the identifiable information regarding unsolicited patient complaints from January 1, 2013, through December 31, 2016, matched these data with corresponding physicians' occupational distress data. Unsolicited patient complaints were used to calculate the Patient Advocacy Reporting System (PARS) score, a validated predictor of malpractice litigation risk and clinical outcomes. Physicians were grouped into 1 of 3 PARS risk categories based on previously defined thresholds: low risk (score of 0), intermediate risk (score of 1-12), or high risk (score ≥13).RESULTS: Each 1-point increase in burnout and sleep-related impairment, on a 5-point scale, was associated with a 69% (odds ratio [OR], 1.69; 95% CI, 1.12-2.54) and 49% (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.08-2.05) increased odds of being in the next higher PARS risk category, respectively, averaged across all 4 years. Professional fulfillment was a protective factor, associated with fewer unsolicited patient complaints. Each 1-point decrease in professional fulfillment was associated with a 68% (OR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.16-2.44) increased odds of being in the next higher PARS risk category. The effect of depression on PARS risk category was not significant (OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 0.84-2.10).CONCLUSION: Findings from this research suggest that occupational distress and sleep-related impairment in physicians are associated with unsolicited patient complaints.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.mayocp.2019.09.025

    View details for PubMedID 32247345

  • Findings indicate that burnout is a strong independent predictor.An Investigation of Career Choice Regret Among American Nurses AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NURSING Dyrbye, L., West, C., Johnson, P., Cipriano, P., Peterson, C., Beatty, D., Major-Elechi, B., Shanafelt, T. 2020; 120 (4): 24–33
  • The impact of dose modification and temporary interruption of ibrutinib on outcomes of chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients in routine clinical practice. Cancer medicine Parikh, S. A., Achenbach, S. J., Call, T. G., Rabe, K. G., Ding, W., Leis, J. F., Kenderian, S. S., Chanan-Khan, A. A., Koehler, A. B., Schwager, S. M., Muchtar, E., Fonder, A. L., McCullough, K. B., Nedved, A. N., Smith, M. D., Slager, S. L., Kay, N. E., Finnes, H. D., Shanafelt, T. D. 2020

    Abstract

    To study the impact of dose modification and temporary interruption of ibrutinib in routine clinical practice, we conducted a retrospective study of consecutive CLL patients treated with ibrutinib outside the context of a clinical trial at Mayo Clinic, (Rochester, MN) from 11/2013 to 12/2017. Of 209 patients, 131 (74%) had unmutated IGHV, 38 (20%) had TP53 disruption, and 47 (22%) were previously untreated. A total of 87/209 (42%) patients started reduced dose ibrutinib (<420mg daily; n=43, physician preference; n=33, concomitant medications; and n=11, other). During 281 person-years of treatment, 91/209 patients had temporary dose interruption (54%, nonhematologic toxicity; 29%, surgical procedures; 10%, hematologic toxicity; and 7%, other). After a median follow-up of 24months, the estimated median event-free survival (EFS) was 36months, and median overall survival (OS) was not reached. On multivariable analyses, temporary ibrutinib interruption (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.37, P=.006) and TP53 disruption at ibrutinib initiation (HR: 1.81, P=.048) were associated with shorter EFS, whereas only TP53 disruption (HR: 2.38, P=.015) was associated with shorter OS. Initial ibrutinib dose and dose modification during therapy did not appear to impact EFS or OS. These findings illustrate the challenges associated with continuous oral therapy with ibrutinib in patients with CLL.

    View details for DOI 10.1002/cam4.2998

    View details for PubMedID 32187452

  • Risk of serious infection among individuals with and without low count monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL). Leukemia Shanafelt, T. D., Kay, N. E., Parikh, S. A., Achenbach, S. J., Lesnick, C. E., Hanson, C. A., Kleinstern, G., Olson, J. E., Norman, A. D., Rabe, K. G., Schwager, S. M., Call, T. G., Slager, S. L. 2020

    View details for DOI 10.1038/s41375-020-0799-8

    View details for PubMedID 32203143

  • The etiology of pleural effusions requiring thoracentesis in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) Koehler, A., Ayed, A., Albitar, H., Call, T., Rabe, K., Ding, W., Kenderian, S., Leis, J., Muchtar, E., Hayman, S., Fonder, A., Schwager, S., Slager, S., Pinto, C., Kay, N., Shanafelt, T., Iyer, V., Parikh, S. TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD. 2020: 229–31
  • Targeted therapy in relapsed/refractory CLL: a systematic review and network meta-analysis Molica, S., Giannareli, D., Shanafelt, T. TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD. 2020: 189–91
  • Metrics for assessing physician activity using electronic health record log data. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association : JAMIA Sinsky, C. A., Rule, A., Cohen, G., Arndt, B. G., Shanafelt, T. D., Sharp, C. D., Baxter, S. L., Tai-Seale, M., Yan, S., Chen, Y., Adler-Milstein, J., Hribar, M. 2020

    Abstract

    Electronic health record (EHR) log data have shown promise in measuring physician time spent on clinical activities, contributing to deeper understanding and further optimization of the clinical environment. In this article, we propose 7 core measures of EHR use that reflect multiple dimensions of practice efficiency: total EHR time, work outside of work, time on documentation, time on prescriptions, inbox time, teamwork for orders, and an aspirational measure for the amount of undivided attention patients receive from their physicians during an encounter, undivided attention. We also illustrate sample use cases for these measures for multiple stakeholders. Finally, standardization of EHR log data measure specifications, as outlined here, will foster cross-study synthesis and comparative research.

    View details for DOI 10.1093/jamia/ocz223

    View details for PubMedID 32027360

  • Address Physician Burnout By Restoring Control of Health Care to Physicians-Reply. JAMA internal medicine Dyrbye, L. N., Shanafelt, T. D., West, C. P. 2020; 180 (2): 334–35

    View details for DOI 10.1001/jamainternmed.2019.6004

    View details for PubMedID 32011636

  • Developing institutional infrastructure for physician wellness: qualitative Insights from VA physicians. BMC health services research Schwartz, R., Shanafelt, T. D., Gimmler, C., Osterberg, L. 2020; 20 (1): 7

    Abstract

    The prevalence and detrimental effect of physician burnout requires new strategies for supporting physicians. In this project, we describe the development, and assessment, of a "Balint-like" physician support group that provided social cohesion and delivered novel didactic curricula for building resilience.The project began with a nine-month facilitated peer-support group for physicians that met every other week. Based on input from the first group, tailored content was developed to address physician wellness needs. These curricula were delivered to participants in the second nine-month Balint-like group. We then conducted semi-structured interviews with 7 hospitalists and 2 outpatient primary care physicians who participated in the Balint-like groups to explore the intervention's value and to identify remaining unmet physician wellness needs. Using an inductive thematic analysis approach, we identified a set of institutional-, community- and individual-level factors affecting physician wellness and corresponding intervention opportunities.Physicians spoke of systems-level factors that contributed to distress, and proposed infrastructure, both physical and procedural, that they felt could better support physician wellness. They highlighted the emotional challenges of daily work, and the need for a forum by which to process these interactions in order to maintain their own wellness. Participants reported that participation in Balint-like groups provided this forum and served to help the physicians normalize struggles, reduce isolation and provide new strategies for navigating challenging interactions.Institutional infrastructure, in the form of regular, psychologically-safe forums for processing with peers and learning relational strategies for preserving wellness, may mitigate physician distress. This project provides a model for how to develop and deliver a low-cost physician wellness program that can be tailored to the needs of individual clinical units.

    View details for DOI 10.1186/s12913-019-4783-9

    View details for PubMedID 31900137

  • Disparities in Burnout and Satisfaction With Work-Life Integration in U.S. Physicians By Gender and Practice Setting. Academic medicine : journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges Marshall, A. L., Dyrbye, L. N., Shanafelt, T. D., Sinsky, C. A., Satele, D. n., Trockel, M. n., Tutty, M. n., West, C. P. 2020

    Abstract

    To explore the interaction between practice setting (academic practice [AP], private practice [PP]) and gender in relation to physician burnout and satisfaction with work-life integration (WLI).In 2017, the authors administered a cross-sectional survey of U.S. physicians and characterized rates of burnout and satisfaction with WLI using previously validated and/or standardized tools. They conducted multivariable logistic regression to determine the interaction between the included variables.Of the 3,603 participants in the final analysis, female physicians reported a higher prevalence of burnout than male physicians in both AP (50.7% vs 38.2%, P < .0001) and PP (48.1% vs 40.7%, P = .001). However, the multivariable analysis found no statistically significant gender-based differences in burnout (odds ratio [OR] 0.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.76 - 1.17, P = .60). Women and men in AP were less likely to report burnout than men in PP (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.52 - 0.94, P = .01 and OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.53 - 0.90, P < .01, respectively); women in PP did not report different burnout rates from men in PP (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.68 - 1.16, P = .38). Women in both AP and PP were less likely to be satisfied with WLI than men in PP (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.47 - 0.83, P < .01 and OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.58 - 0.97, P = .03, respectively); men in AP did not report different satisfaction with WLI than men in PP (OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.82 - 1.33, P = .71).Gender differences in rates of burnout are related to practice setting and other differences in physicians' personal and professional lives. These results highlight the complex relationships among gender, practice setting, and other personal and professional factors in their influence on burnout and satisfaction with WLI.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/ACM.0000000000003521

    View details for PubMedID 32459677

  • Association of Burnout, Professional Fulfillment, and Self-care Practices of Physician Leaders With Their Independently Rated Leadership Effectiveness. JAMA network open Shanafelt, T. D., Makowski, M. S., Wang, H. n., Bohman, B. n., Leonard, M. n., Harrington, R. A., Minor, L. n., Trockel, M. n. 2020; 3 (6): e207961

    Abstract

    Although leadership behavior of physician supervisors is associated with the occupational well-being of the physicians they supervise, the factors associated with leadership behaviors are poorly understood.To evaluate the associations between burnout, professional fulfillment, and self-care practices of physician leaders and their independently assessed leadership behavior scores.This survey study of physicians and physician leaders at Stanford University School of Medicine (n = 1924) was conducted from April 1 to May 13, 2019. The survey included assessments of professional fulfillment, self-valuation, sleep-related impairment, and burnout. Physicians also rated the leadership behaviors of their immediate physician supervisors using a standardized assessment. Leaders' personal well-being metrics were paired with their leadership behavior scores as rated by the physicians they supervised. All assessment scores were converted to a standardized scale (range, 0-10). Data were analyzed from October 20, 2019, to March 10, 2020.Association between leaders' own well-being scores and their independently assessed leadership behavior.Of 1924 physicians invited to participate, 1285 (66.8%) returned surveys, including 67 of 117 physician leaders (57.3%). Among these respondents, 651 (50.7%) were women and 729 (56.7%) were 40 years or older. Among the 67 leaders, 57 (85.1%) had their leadership behaviors evaluated by at least 5 physicians (median, 11 [interquartile range, 9-15]) they supervised. Overall, 9.8% of the variation in leaders' aggregate leadership behavior scores was associated with their own degree of burnout. In models adjusted for age and sex, each 1-point increase in burnout score of the leaders was associated with a 0.19-point decrement in leadership behavior score (β = -0.19; 95% CI, -0.35 to -0.03; P = .02), whereas each 1-point increase in their professional fulfillment and self-valuation scores was associated with a 0.13-point (β = 0.13; 95% CI, 0.01-0.26; P = .03) and 0.15-point (β = 0.15; 95% CI, 0.02-0.29; P = .03) increase in leadership behavior score, respectively. Each 1-point increase in leaders' sleep-related impairment was associated with a 0.15-point increment in sleep-related impairment among those they supervised (β = 0.15; 95% CI, 0.02-0.29; P = .03). The associations between leaders' well-being scores in other dimensions and the corresponding well-being measures of those they supervised were not significant.In this survey study, burnout, professional fulfillment, and self-care practices of physician leaders were associated with their independently assessed leadership effectiveness. Training, skill building, and support to improve leader well-being should be considered a dimension of leadership development rather than simply a dimension of self-care.

    View details for DOI 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.7961

    View details for PubMedID 32543700

  • Understanding and Addressing Sources of Anxiety Among Health Care Professionals During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JAMA Shanafelt, T. n., Ripp, J. n., Trockel, M. n. 2020

    View details for DOI 10.1001/jama.2020.5893

    View details for PubMedID 32259193

  • Burnout, Depression, Career Satisfaction, and Work-Life Integration by Physician Race/Ethnicity. JAMA network open Garcia, L. C., Shanafelt, T. D., West, C. P., Sinsky, C. A., Trockel, M. T., Nedelec, L. n., Maldonado, Y. A., Tutty, M. n., Dyrbye, L. N., Fassiotto, M. n. 2020; 3 (8): e2012762

    Abstract

    Previous research suggests that the prevalence of occupational burnout varies by demographic characteristics, such as sex and age, but the association between physician race/ethnicity and occupational burnout is less well understood.To investigate possible differences in occupational burnout, depressive symptoms, career satisfaction, and work-life integration by race/ethnicity in a sample of US physicians.In this cross-sectional study, data for this secondary analysis of 4424 physicians were originally collected from a cross-sectional survey of US physicians between October 12, 2017, and March 15, 2018. The dates of analysis were March 8, 2019, to May 21, 2020. Multivariable logistic regression, including statistical adjustment for physician demographic and clinical practice characteristics, was performed to examine the association between physician race/ethnicity and occupational burnout, depressive symptoms, career satisfaction, and work-life integration.Physician demographic and clinical practice characteristics included race/ethnicity, sex, age, clinical specialty, hours worked per week, primary practice setting, and relationship status.Physicians with a high score on the emotional exhaustion or depersonalization subscale of the Maslach Burnout Inventory were classified as having burnout. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders instrument. Physicians who marked "strongly agree" or "agree" in response to the survey items "I would choose to become a physician again" and "My work schedule leaves me enough time for my personal/family life" were considered to be satisfied with their career and work-life integration, respectively.Data were available for 4424 physicians (mean [SD] age, 52.46 [12.03] years; 61.5% [2722 of 4424] male). Most physicians (78.7% [3480 of 4424]) were non-Hispanic White. Non-Hispanic Asian, Hispanic/Latinx, and non-Hispanic Black physicians comprised 12.3% (542 of 4424), 6.3% (278 of 4424), and 2.8% (124 of 4424) of the sample, respectively. Burnout was observed in 44.7% (1540 of 3447) of non-Hispanic White physicians, 41.7% (225 of 540) of non-Hispanic Asian physicians, 38.5% (47 of 122) of non-Hispanic Black physicians, and 37.4% (104 of 278) of Hispanic/Latinx physicians. The adjusted odds of burnout were lower in non-Hispanic Asian physicians (odds ratio [OR], 0.77; 95% CI, 0.61-0.96), Hispanic/Latinx physicians (OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.47-0.86), and non-Hispanic Black physicians (OR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.30-0.79) compared with non-Hispanic White physicians. Non-Hispanic Black physicians were more likely to report satisfaction with work-life integration compared with non-Hispanic White physicians (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.05-2.73). No differences in depressive symptoms or career satisfaction were observed by race/ethnicity.Physicians in minority racial/ethnic groups were less likely to report burnout compared with non-Hispanic White physicians. Future research is necessary to confirm these results, investigate factors contributing to increased rates of burnout among non-Hispanic White physicians, and assess factors underlying the observed patterns in measures of physician wellness by race/ethnicity.

    View details for DOI 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.12762

    View details for PubMedID 32766802

  • Promoting Oncologist Well-Being to Foster Delivery of Ethical, High-Quality Cancer Care: Priorities for 2020 and Beyond. JCO oncology practice Shanafelt, T. D., Kamal, A. H., Hlubocky, F. J. 2020; 16 (4): 188–90

    View details for DOI 10.1200/OP.20.00069

    View details for PubMedID 32275849

  • Socioeconomic Factors Associated With Burnout Among Oncology Trainees. JCO oncology practice Ahmed, A. A., Ramey, S. J., Dean, M. K., Takita, C. n., Schwartz, D. n., Wilson, L. D., Vapiwala, N. n., Thomas, C. R., Shanafelt, T. D., Deville, C. n., Jagsi, R. n., Holliday, E. n. 2020; 16 (4): e415–e424

    Abstract

    Burnout in the medical workforce leads to early retirement, absenteeism, career changes, financial losses for medical institutions, and adverse outcomes for patients. Recent literature has explored burnout in different specialties of medicine. This article examines burnout among medical oncology trainees and identifies factors associated with burnout and professional dissatisfaction, including socioeconomic factors.US medical oncology programs were sent a survey that included the Maslach Burnout Index-Human Services Survey as well as demographic, socioeconomic, and program-specific questions tailored to medical oncology fellowship. Primary binary end points included burnout, satisfaction with being a physician, and satisfaction with being a medical oncologist. Binomial logistic models determined associations between various characteristics and end points.Overall, 261 US fellows completed the survey. Seventy percent of international medical graduates reported no educational debt, whereas only 36% of US graduates reported no educational debt. Eighty-two percent of survey respondents reported their mother had at least a bachelor's degree, and 87% of respondents reported their father had at least a bachelor's degree. At least 27% of respondents had symptoms of burnout. Factors inversely associated with burnout on multivariable analysis included having a mother who graduated college (odds ratio [OR], 0.27), reporting an adequate perceived balance between work and personal life (OR, 0.22), feeling that faculty care about educational success (OR, 0.16), and being in the final year of training (OR, 0.45). Having debt ≥ $150,000 (OR, 2.14) was directly associated with burnout.Symptoms of burnout are common among medical oncology fellows and are associated with educational debt and socioeconomic factors.

    View details for DOI 10.1200/JOP.19.00703

    View details for PubMedID 32275851

  • Tumor mutational load predicts time to first treatment in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis beyond the CLL international prognostic index. American journal of hematology Kleinstern, G. n., O'Brien, D. R., Li, X. n., Tian, S. n., Kabat, B. F., Rabe, K. G., Norman, A. D., Yan, H. n., Vachon, C. M., Boddicker, N. J., Call, T. G., Parikh, S. A., Bruins, L. n., de Campos, C. B., Leis, J. F., Shanafelt, T. D., Ding, W. n., Cerhan, J. R., Kay, N. E., Slager, S. L., Braggio, E. n. 2020

    Abstract

    Next-generation sequencing identified ~60 genes recurrently mutated in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). We examined the additive prognostic value of the total number of recurrently mutated CLL genes [i.e., tumor mutational load (TML)] or the individually mutated genes beyond the CLL international prognostic index (CLL-IPI) in newly diagnosed CLL and high-count monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (HC MBL). We sequenced 59 genes among 557 individuals (112 HC MBL/445 CLL) in a multi-stage design, to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for time-to-first treatment (TTT), adjusted for CLL-IPI and sex. TML was associated with shorter TTT in the discovery and validation cohorts, with a combined estimate of continuous HR=1.27 (CI:1.17-1.39, P=2.6x10-8 ; c-statistic=0.76). When stratified by CLL-IPI, the association of TML with TTT was stronger and validated within low/intermediate risk (combined HR=1.54, CI:1.37-1.72, P=7.0x10-14 ). Overall, 80% of low/intermediate CLL-IPI cases with 2+ mutated genes progressed to require therapy within 5 years, compared to 24% among those without mutations. TML was also associated with shorter TTT in the HC MBL cohort (HR=1.53, CI:1.12-2.07, P=0.007; c-statistic=0.71). TML is a strong prognostic factor for TTT independent of CLL-IPI, especially among low/intermediate CLL-IPI risk and a better predictor than any single gene. Mutational screening at early stages may improve risk stratification and better predict TTT. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

    View details for DOI 10.1002/ajh.25831

    View details for PubMedID 32279347

  • A Call to Action: Ethics Committee Roundtable Recommendations for Addressing Burnout and Moral Distress in Oncology. JCO oncology practice Hlubocky, F. J., Taylor, L. P., Marron, J. M., Spence, R. A., McGinnis, M. M., Brown, R. F., McFarland, D. C., Tetzlaff, E. D., Gallagher, C. M., Rosenberg, A. R., Popp, B. n., Dragnev, K. n., Bosserman, L. D., Dudzinski, D. M., Smith, S. n., Chatwal, M. n., Patel, M. I., Markham, M. J., Levit, K. n., Bruera, E. n., Epstein, R. M., Brown, M. n., Back, A. L., Shanafelt, T. D., Kamal, A. H. 2020: JOP1900806

    Abstract

    Oncologist well-being is critical to initiating and maintaining the physician-patient relationship, yet many oncologists suffer from symptoms of burnout. Burnout has been linked to poor physical and mental health, as well as increased medical errors, patient dissatisfaction, and workforce attrition. In this Call to Action article, we discuss causes of and interventions for burnout and moral distress in oncology, highlight existing interventions, and provide recommendations for addressing burnout and improving well-being at the individual and organizational levels to deliver ethical, quality cancer care.

    View details for DOI 10.1200/JOP.19.00806

    View details for PubMedID 32223701

  • Pandemic-Driven Posttraumatic Growth for Organizations and Individuals. JAMA Olson, K. n., Shanafelt, T. n., Southwick, S. n. 2020

    View details for DOI 10.1001/jama.2020.20275

    View details for PubMedID 33034630

  • Development of a conceptual model for understanding the learning environment and surgical resident well-being. American journal of surgery Zhang, L. M., Cheung, E. O., Eng, J. S., Ma, M. n., Etkin, C. D., Agarwal, G. n., Shanafelt, T. D., Riall, T. S., Nasca, T. n., Bilimoria, K. Y., Hu, Y. Y., Johnson, J. K. 2020

    Abstract

    Surgeon burnout is linked to poor outcomes for physicians and patients. Several conceptual models exist that describe drivers of physician wellness generally. No such model exists for surgical residents specifically.A conceptual model for surgical resident well-being was adapted from published models with input gained iteratively from an interdisciplinary team. A survey was developed to measure residents' perceptions of their program. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) tested the fit of our proposed model construct.The conceptual model outlines eight domains that contribute to surgical resident well-being: Efficiency and Resources, Faculty Relationships and Engagement, Meaning in Work, Resident Camaraderie, Program Culture and Values, Work-Life Integration, Workload and Job Demands, and Mistreatment. CFA demonstrated acceptable fit of the proposed 8-domain model.Eight distinct domains of the learning environment influence surgical resident well-being. This conceptual model forms the basis for the SECOND Trial, a study designed to optimize the surgical training environment and promote well-being.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2020.10.026

    View details for PubMedID 33121657

  • Triggering interferon signaling in T cells with avadomide sensitizes CLL to anti-PD-L1/PD-1 immunotherapy. Blood Ioannou, N. n., Hagner, P. R., Stokes, M. n., Gandhi, A. K., Apollonio, B. n., Fanous, M. n., Papazoglou, D. n., Sutton, L. A., Rosenquist, R. n., Amini, R. M., Chiu, H. n., Lopez-Girona, A. n., Janardhanan, P. n., Awan, F. T., Jones, J. A., Kay, N. E., Shanafelt, T. D., Tallman, M. S., Stamatopoulos, K. n., Patten, P. E., Vardi, A. n., Ramsay, A. G. 2020

    Abstract

    Cancer treatment has been transformed by checkpoint blockade therapies, with the highest anti-tumor activity of anti-programmed death 1 (PD-1) antibody therapy seen in Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). Disappointingly, response rates have been low in the non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs), with no activity seen in relapsed/refractory (R/R) chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with PD-1 blockade. Thus, identifying more powerful combination therapy is required for these patients. Here, we pre-clinically demonstrate enhanced anti-CLL activity following combinational therapy with anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-1 ligand (PD-L1) and avadomide, a cereblon E3 ligase modulator (CELMoD). Avadomide induced type I and II interferon (IFN) signaling in patient T cells, triggering a feedforward cascade of reinvigorated T cell responses. Immune modeling assays demonstrated that avadomide stimulated T cell activation, chemokine expression, motility and lytic synapses with CLL cells, as well as IFN-inducible feedback inhibition through upregulation of PD-L1. Patient-derived xenograft tumors treated with avadomide were converted to CD8+ T cell-inflamed tumor microenvironments (TMEs) that responded to anti-PD-L1/PD-1-based combination therapy. Notably, clinical analyses showed increased PD-L1 expression on T cells, as well as intratumoral expression of chemokine signaling genes in B cell malignancy patients receiving avadomide-based therapy. These data illustrate the importance of overcoming a low inflammatory T cell state to successfully sensitize CLL to checkpoint blockade-based combination therapy.

    View details for DOI 10.1182/blood.2020006073

    View details for PubMedID 33024998

  • Everyday Heroism: Maintaining Organizational Cultures of Wellness and Inclusive Excellence Amid Simultaneous Pandemics. Academic medicine : journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges Fassiotto, M. n., Valantine, H. n., Shanafelt, T. n., Maldonado, Y. n. 2020; Publish Ahead of Print

    Abstract

    Health care professionals and the institutions in which they work are being stretched to their limits amidst the current COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, a second longstanding pandemic has been brought to the fore: the entrenched system of racial injustice and oppression. The first pandemic is new and to date substantial resources have been allocated to urgently addressing its mitigation; the second has a long history with inconsistent attention and resources but has recently been spotlighted more intensely than at any time in the nation's recent past. The authors of this article contend that these 2 simultaneous pandemics have brought forth the need for institutions in the United States to make a renewed commitment to respect, wellness, diversity, and inclusion. While investment and leadership in these domains have always been essential, these have largely been viewed as a "nice-to-have" option. The events of much of 2020 (most notably) have illustrated that committing to and investing in policies, programs, centers, and leadership to drive change in these domains are essential and a "need-to-have" measure. The authors outline the necessity of investing in the promotion of cultures of inclusive excellence at both individual and organizational levels to coordinate a united response to the simultaneous pandemics. It is in the interests of health care systems to consider the wellness of the workforce to overcome the longer term economic, systemic, and social trauma that will likely occur for years to come at both the individual and institutional levels. Maintaining or augmenting investment is necessary despite the economic challenges the nation faces. Now is the time to cultivate resilience and wellness through a renewed commitment to cultures of respect, diversity, and inclusion. This commitment is urgently needed to support and sustain the health care workforce and maintain outstanding health care systems for future generations.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/ACM.0000000000003905

    View details for PubMedID 33369903

  • Developing institutional infrastructure for physician wellness: qualitative insights from VA physicians BMC Health Services Research Schwartz, R., Shanafelt, T. D., Gimmler, C., Osterberg, L. 2020; 20 (7)
  • Personal-Professional Boundaries and Ethical Issues in Palliative Care AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS Swetz, K. M., Frazier, S. L., Richardson, J. W., Shanafelt, T. D. 2019; 19 (12): 60–62
  • Relationship Between Burnout, Professional Behaviors, and Cost-Conscious Attitudes Among US Physicians. Journal of general internal medicine Dyrbye, L. N., West, C. P., Hunderfund, A. L., Sinsky, C. A., Trockel, M., Tutty, M., Carlasare, L., Satele, D., Shanafelt, T. 2019

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: Despite the importance of professionalism, little is known about how burnout relates to professionalism among practicing physicians.OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between burnout and professional behaviors and cost-conscious attitudes.DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: Cross-sectional study in a national sample of physicians of whom a fourth received a sub-survey with items exploring professional behaviors and cost-conscious attitudes. Responders who were not in practice or in select specialties were excluded.MEASURES: Maslach Burnout Inventory and items on professional behaviors and cost-conscious attitudes.KEY RESULTS: Among those who received the sub-survey 1008/1224 (82.3%) responded, and 801 were eligible for inclusion. Up to one third of participants reported engaging in unprofessional behaviors related to administrative aspects of patient care in the last year, such as documenting something they did not do to close an encounter in the medical record (243/759, 32.0%). Fewer physicians reported other dishonest behavior (e.g., claiming unearned continuing medical education credit; 40/815, 4.9%). Most physicians endorsed cost-conscious attitudes with over 75% (618/821) agreeing physicians have a responsibility to try to control health-care costs and 62.9% (512/814) agreeing that cost to society is important in their care decisions regarding use of an intervention. On multivariable analysis adjusting for personal and professional characteristics, burnout was independently associated with reporting 1 or more unprofessional behaviors (OR 2.01, 95%CI 1.47-2.73, p < 0.0001) and having less favorable cost-conscious attitudes (difference on 6-24 scale - 0.90, 95%CI - 1.44 to - 0.35, p = 0.001).CONCLUSIONS: Professional burnout is associated with self-reported unprofessional behaviors and less favorable cost-conscious attitudes among physicians.

    View details for DOI 10.1007/s11606-019-05376-x

    View details for PubMedID 31734790

  • Comparison of venetoclax plus rituximab with B-cell receptor inhibitors in patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a systematic review and network Meta-analysis. Leukemia & lymphoma Molica, S., Giannarelli, D., Shanafelt, T. D. 2019: 1–4

    View details for DOI 10.1080/10428194.2019.1691193

    View details for PubMedID 31724894

  • Letter to the Editor regarding "Prevalence and Predictors of Burnout Among Hospice and Palliative Care Professionals from 2016 Apr;51(4):690-6. Journal of pain and symptom management Kamal, A., Bull, J. H., Wolf, S. P., Swetz, K. M., Shanafelt, T. D., Ast, K., Kavalieratos, D., Sinclair, C. T. 2019

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.11.001

    View details for PubMedID 31734409

  • Ibrutinib and Rituximab Provides Superior Clinical Outcome Compared to FCR in Younger Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): Extended Follow-up from the E1912 Trial. Blood Shanafelt, T. D., Wang, V., Kay, N. E., Hanson, C. A., O'Brien, S. M., Barrientos, J. C., Jelinek, D. F., Braggio, E., Leis, J. F., Zhang, C. C., Coutre, S., Barr, P. M., Cashen, A. F., Mato, A. R., Singh, A., Mullane, M. P., Little, R. F., Erba, H. P., Stone, R. M., Litzow, M., Tallman, M. S. 2019; 134 (Supplement_1): 33

    Abstract

    DISCLOSURES: Shanafelt: Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Patent: Patents & Royalties: US14/292,075 on green tea extract epigallocatechin gallate in combination with chemotherapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia; Polyphenon E International: Research Funding; Merck: Research Funding; Abbvie: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Glaxo-SmithKline: Research Funding; Hospira: Research Funding; Cephalon: Research Funding. Kay:MorphoSys: Other: Data Safety Monitoring Board; Infinity Pharmaceuticals: Other: DSMB; Celgene: Other: Data Safety Monitoring Board; Agios: Other: DSMB. O'Brien:Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Pharmacyclics LLC, an AbbVie Company: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; AbbVie: Consultancy, Honoraria; Astellas: Consultancy; Aptose Biosciences, Inc: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Alexion: Consultancy; Acerta: Research Funding; Eisai: Consultancy; Gilead: Consultancy, Research Funding; GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy; Verastem: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Sunesis: Consultancy, Research Funding; TG Therapeutics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Vaniam Group LLC: Consultancy; Regeneron: Research Funding; Kite: Research Funding. Barrientos:AbbVie: Consultancy, Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Consultancy; Genentech: Consultancy; Bayer: Consultancy; Gilead: Consultancy; Janssen: Honoraria; Pharmacyclics LLC, an AbbVie Company: Consultancy, Research Funding; Sandoz: Consultancy; Oncternal Therapeutics: Research Funding. Coutre:Astellas: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pharmacyclics: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Travel, Accommodations, Expenses; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Travel, Accommodations, Expenses, Research Funding; AbbVie: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Travel, Accommodations, Expenses, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Travel, Accommodations, Expenses, Research Funding; Astra Zeneca: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Acerta: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding; BeiGene: Other: Travel, Accommodations, Expenses & Data Safety Monitoring Committee; Genentech: Consultancy. Barr:Pharmacyclics LLC, an AbbVie company: Consultancy, Research Funding; Gilead: Consultancy; Verastem: Consultancy; Genentech: Consultancy; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy; Merck: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; AbbVie: Consultancy; Astra Zeneca: Consultancy, Research Funding; TG Therapeutics: Consultancy, Research Funding. Cashen:Celgene: Other: Speaker's Bureau; Seattle Genetics: Other: Speaker's Bureau; Novartis: Other: Speaker's Bureau. Mato:AstraZeneca: Consultancy, Research Funding; AbbVie: Consultancy, Research Funding; Sunesis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy; Johnson & Johnson: Consultancy, Research Funding; TG Therapeutics: Consultancy, Other: DSMB member , Research Funding; LOXO: Consultancy, Research Funding; DTRM Biopharma: Research Funding; Genentech: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding; Acerta: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy. Erba:Amgen: Consultancy; MacroGenics: Consultancy, Other: Lecture fees, Research Funding; MacroGenics: Consultancy, Other: Lecture fees, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Agios: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Agios: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Incyte: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Incyte: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; ImmunoGen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Astellas Pharma: Consultancy; Astellas Pharma: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; GlycoMimetics: Consultancy, Other: Chair, data and safety monitoring board, Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Other: chair, AML Registry Scientific Steering Committee, Speakers Bureau; ImmunoGen: Consultancy, Research Funding; AbbVie: Consultancy, Other: Chair, IRC for phase III studies, Research Funding; GlycoMimetics: Consultancy, Other: Chair, data and safety monitoring board, Research Funding; Covance: Other: Fees for serving as chair on an independent review board for AbbVie Phase III studies; Covance: Other: Fees for serving as chair on an independent review board for AbbVie Phase III studies; AbbVie: Consultancy, Other: Chair, IRC for phase III studies, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Other: chair, AML Registry Scientific Steering Committee, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy, Research Funding. Stone:Arog Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Otsuka-Astex Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Fujifilm: Consultancy; AstraZeneca: Consultancy; Celator Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Abbvie: Consultancy, Research Funding; Ono Pharmaceutical-Theradex Oncology: Consultancy; Cornerstone Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy; Takeda: Other: Fees for serving on a data and safety monitoring board ; Orsenix: Consultancy; MacroGenics: Consultancy; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Agios: Consultancy, Research Funding; Stemline Therapeutics: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy, Other: Fees for serving on a steering committee, and fees for serving on a data and safety monitoring board; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Actinium Pharmaceuticals: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Astellas Pharma: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Argenx: Other: Fees for serving on a data and safety monitoring board ; Roche: Consultancy. Tallman:Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Oncolyze: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

    View details for DOI 10.1182/blood-2019-126824

    View details for PubMedID 31723996

  • Developmental DNA Methylation Subtype Predicts Progression to Treatment and Survival in High-Count Monoclonal B Lymphocytosis Giacopelli, B., Chaffee, K. G., Wu, Y., Byrd, J. C., Shanafelt, T. D., Parikh, S. A., Braggio, E., Slager, S. L., Kay, N. E., Oakes, C. C. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2019
  • The Association Between Perceived Electronic Health Record Usability and Professional Burnout Among US Physicians. Mayo Clinic proceedings Melnick, E. R., Dyrbye, L. N., Sinsky, C. A., Trockel, M., West, C. P., Nedelec, L., Tutty, M. A., Shanafelt, T. 2019

    Abstract

    OBJECTIVE: To describe and benchmark physician-perceived electronic health record (EHR) usability as defined by a standardized metric of technology usability and evaluate the association with professional burnout among physicians.PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional survey of US physicians from all specialty disciplines was conducted between October 12, 2017, and March 15, 2018, using the American Medical Association Physician Masterfile. Among the 30,456 invited physicians, 5197 (17.1%) completed surveys. A random 25% (n=1250) of respondents in the primary survey received a subsurvey evaluating EHR usability, and 870 (69.6%) completed it. EHR usability was assessed using the System Usability Scale (SUS; range 0-100). SUS scores were normalized to percentile rankings across more than 1300 previous studies from other industries. Burnout was measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory.RESULTS: Mean ± SD SUS score was 45.9±21.9. A score of 45.9 is in the bottom 9% of scores across previous studies and categorized in the "not acceptable" range or with a grade of F. On multivariate analysis adjusting for age, sex, medical specialty, practice setting, hours worked, and number of nights on call weekly, physician-rated EHR usability was independently associated with the odds of burnout with each 1 point more favorable SUS score associated with a 3% lower odds of burnout (odds ratio, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.97-0.98; P<.001).CONCLUSION: The usability of current EHR systems received a grade of F by physician users when evaluated using a standardized metric of technology usability. A strong dose-response relationship between EHR usability and the odds of burnout was observed.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.mayocp.2019.09.024

    View details for PubMedID 31735343

  • Author response: Age and sex differences in burnout, career satisfaction, and well-being in US neurologists. Neurology LaFaver, K., Miyasaki, J. M., Keran, C. M., Rheaume, C., Gulya, L., Levin, K. H., Jones, E. C., Schwarz, H. B., Molano, J. R., Hessler, A., Singhal, D., Shanafelt, T. D., Sloan, J. A., Novotny, P. J., Cascino, T. L., Busis, N. A. 2019; 93 (19): 863

    View details for DOI 10.1212/WNL.0000000000008451

    View details for PubMedID 31685708

  • Developing a Portfolio to Support Physicians' Efforts to Promote Well-being: One Piece of the Puzzle. Mayo Clinic proceedings Menon, N. K., Trockel, M. T., Hamidi, M. S., Shanafelt, T. D. 2019; 94 (11): 2171–77

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.mayocp.2019.09.010

    View details for PubMedID 31685149

  • Estimating the Attributable Cost of Physician Burnout in the United States. Annals of internal medicine Dyrbye, L. N., Awad, K. M., Fiscus, L. C., Sinsky, C. A., Shanafelt, T. D. 2019; 171 (8): 600–601

    View details for DOI 10.7326/L19-0522

    View details for PubMedID 31610567

  • Self-valuation: Attending to the Most Important Instrument in the Practice of Medicine. Mayo Clinic proceedings Trockel, M. T., Hamidi, M. S., Menon, N. K., Rowe, S. G., Dudley, J. C., Stewart, M. T., Geisler, C. Z., Bohman, B. D., Shanafelt, T. D. 2019

    Abstract

    OBJECTIVE: To measure self-valuation, involving constructive prioritization of personal well-being and a growth mindset perspective that seeks to learn and improve as the primary response to errors, in physicians and evaluate its relationship with burnout and sleep-related impairment.METHODS: We analyzed cross-sectional survey data collected between July 1, 2016, and October 31, 2017, from 5 academic medical centers in the United States. All faculty and medical-staff physicians at participating organizations were invited to participate. The self-valuation scale included 4 items measured on a 5-point (0-4) Likert scale (summative score range, 0-16). The self-valuation scale was developed and pilot tested in a sample of 250 physicians before inclusion in the multisite wellness survey, which also included validated measures of burnout and sleep-related impairment.RESULTS: Of the 6189 physicians invited to participate, 3899 responded (response rate, 63.0%). Each 1-point score increase in self-valuation was associated with-1.10 point lower burnout score (95% CI,-1.16 to-1.05; standardized beta=-0.53; P<.001) and 0.81 point lower sleep-related impairment score (95% CI,-0.85 to-0.76; standardized beta=-0.47; P<.001), adjusting for sex and medical specialty. Women had lower self-valuation (Cohen d=0.30) and higher burnout (Cohen d=0.22) than men. Lower self-valuation scores in women accounted for most of the sex difference in burnout.CONCLUSION: Low self-valuation among physicians is associated with burnout and sleep-related impairment. Further research is warranted to develop and test interventions that increase self-valuation as a mechanism to improve physician well-being.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.mayocp.2019.04.040

    View details for PubMedID 31543254

  • Characteristics of Academic Physicians Associated With Patient Satisfaction AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL QUALITY Heidenreich, P., Shieh, L., Fassiotto, M., Kahn, J., Weinacker, A., Smith, R., Trockel, M., Shanafelt, T., Palaniappan, L. 2019: 1062860619876344

    View details for DOI 10.1177/1062860619876344

    View details for Web of Science ID 000488727200001

    View details for PubMedID 31529975

  • Associations Between Dietary Patterns and Sleep-Related Impairment in a Cohort of Community Physicians: A Cross-sectional Study AMERICAN JOURNAL OF LIFESTYLE MEDICINE Hamidi, M. S., Shanafelt, T. D., Hausel, A., Bohman, B. D., Roberts, R., Trockel, M. T. 2019
  • Associations Between Dietary Patterns and Sleep-Related Impairment in a Cohort of Community Physicians: A Cross-sectional Study. American journal of lifestyle medicine Makowski, M. S., Shanafelt, T. D., Hausel, A., Bohman, B. D., Roberts, R., Trockel, M. T. 2019; 15 (6): 644-652

    Abstract

    There is increasing evidence that diet can mitigate fatigue. The objective of this study was to assess the associations between dietary habits and sleep-related impairment (SRI) in a cohort of community physicians. In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed data from 245 physicians who had completed a wellness survey in March 2016 (98% response rate). Three dietary patterns were derived using principal component analysis: plant based, high protein, and high saturated fat and sugar. In the adjusted analysis, every SD increase in the plant-based dietary pattern score was associated with a 0.71-point decrease (β = -0.72; SE = 0.32; P = .027; 95% CI = -1.35 to -0.08) in the SRI score, and every SD increase in the high saturated fat and sugar dietary pattern score was associated with a 0.77-point increase (β = 0.77; SE = 0.32; P = .015; 95% CI = 0.15 to 1.39) in the SRI score. There were no associations between high protein diets and SRI scores. Physicians adhering to diets that are high in plant-based foods and low in saturated fat and added sugars had less SRI. Physicians currently face significant barriers to maintaining a healthy diet. This study highlights the potential role of workplace nutrition on SRI and work performance of physicians.

    View details for DOI 10.1177/1559827619871923

    View details for PubMedID 34916885

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC8669895

  • Physician Work-Life Integration: Challenges and Strategies for Improvement CLINICAL OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY Karakash, S., Solone, M., Chavez, J., Shanafelt, T. 2019; 62 (3): 455–65
  • Changes in Burnout and Satisfaction With Work-Life Integration in Physicians and the General US Working Population Between 2011 and 2017 MAYO CLINIC PROCEEDINGS Shanafelt, T. D., West, C. P., Sinsky, C., Trockel, M., Tutty, M., Satele, D., Carlasare, L. E., Dyrbye, L. N. 2019; 94 (9): 1681–94
  • Association of elevated serumfree light chains with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis. Blood cancer journal Clay-Gilmour, A. I., Rishi, A. R., Goldin, L. R., Greenberg-Worisek, A. J., Achenbach, S. J., Rabe, K. G., Maurer, M. J., Kay, N. E., Shanafelt, T. D., Call, T. G., Brice Weinberg, J., Camp, N. J., Cerhan, J. R., Leis, J., Norman, A., Murray, D. L., Vincent Rajkumar, S., Caporaso, N. E., Landgren, O., McMaster, M. L., Slager, S. L., Vachon, C. M. 2019; 9 (8): 59

    Abstract

    Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and its precursor, monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL), are heritable. Serumfree light-chain (sFLC) measures are a prognostic factor for CLL, but their role in susceptibility to CLL is not clear. We investigated differences between sFLC measurements in pre-treatment serum from five groups to inform the association of sFLC with familial and sporadic CLL: (1) familial CLL (n=154), (2) sporadic CLL (n=302), (3) familial MBL (n=87), (4) unaffected first-degree relatives from CLL/MBL families (n=263), and (5) reference population (n=15,396). The percent of individuals having elevated monoclonal and polyclonal sFLCs was compared using age-stratified and age- and sex-adjusted logistic regression models. In age groups >50 years, monoclonal sFLC elevations were increased in sporadic and familial CLL cases compared to the reference population (p's<0.05). However, there were no statistically significant differences in sFLC monoclonal or polyclonal elevations between familial and sporadic CLL cases (p's>0.05). Unaffected relatives and MBL cases from CLL/MBL families, ages >60 years, showed elevated monoclonal sFLC, compared to the reference population (p's<0.05). This is the first study to demonstrate monoclonal sFLC elevations in CLL cases compared to controls. Monoclonal sFLC levels may provide additional risk information in relatives of CLL probands.

    View details for DOI 10.1038/s41408-019-0220-x

    View details for PubMedID 31383849

  • Effect of a Professional Coaching Intervention on the Well-being and Distress of Physicians: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA internal medicine Dyrbye, L. N., Shanafelt, T. D., Gill, P. R., Satele, D. V., West, C. P. 2019

    Abstract

    Importance: Burnout symptoms among physicians are common and have potentially serious ramifications for physicians and their patients. Randomized studies testing interventions to address burnout have been uncommon.Objective: To explore the effect of individualized coaching on the well-being of physicians.Design, Setting, and Participants: A pilot randomized clinical trial involving 88 practicing physicians in the departments of medicine, family medicine, and pediatrics who volunteered for coaching was conducted between October 9, 2017, and March 27, 2018, at Mayo Clinic sites in Arizona, Florida, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Statistical analysis was conducted from August 24, 2018, to March 25, 2019.Interventions: A total of 6 coaching sessions facilitated by a professional coach.Main Outcomes and Measures: Burnout, quality of life, resilience, job satisfaction, engagement, and meaning at work using established metrics. Analysis was performed on an intent-to-treat basis.Results: Among the 88 physicians in the study (48 women and 40 men), after 6 months of professional coaching, emotional exhaustion decreased by a mean (SD) of 5.2 (8.7) points in the intervention group compared with an increase of 1.5 (7.7) points in the control group by the end of the study (P<.001). Absolute rates of high emotional exhaustion at 5 months decreased by 19.5% in the intervention group and increased by 9.8% in the control group (-29.3% [95% CI, -34.0% to -24.6%]) (P<.001). Absolute rates of overall burnout at 5 months also decreased by 17.1% in the intervention group and increased by 4.9% in the control group (-22.0% [95% CI, -25.2% to -18.7%]) (P<.001). Quality of life improved by a mean (SD) of 1.2 (2.5) points in the intervention group compared with 0.1 (1.7) points in the control group (1.1 points [95% CI, 0.04-2.1 points]) (P=.005), and resilience scores improved by a mean (SD) of 1.3 (5.2) points in the intervention group compared with 0.6 (4.0) points in the control group (0.7 points [95% CI, 0.0-3.0 points]) (P=.04). No statistically significant differences in depersonalization, job satisfaction, engagement, or meaning in work were observed.Conclusions and Relevance: Professional coaching may be an effective way to reduce emotional exhaustion and overall burnout as well as improve quality of life and resilience for some physicians.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03207581.

    View details for DOI 10.1001/jamainternmed.2019.2425

    View details for PubMedID 31380892

  • KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF mutations are highly enriched in trisomy 12 chronic lymphocytic leukemia and are associated with shorter treatment-free survival LEUKEMIA Vendramini, E., Bomben, R., Pozzo, F., Benedetti, D., Bittolo, T., Rossi, F., Dal Bo, M., Rabe, K. G., Pozzato, G., Zaja, F., Chiarenza, A., Di Raimondo, F., Braggio, E., Parikh, S. A., Kay, N. E., Shanafelt, T. D., Del Poeta, G., Gattei, V., Zucchetto, A. 2019; 33 (8): 2111–15
  • Assessing Burnout and Professional Fulfillment in Breast Surgery: Results From a National Survey of the American Society of Breast Surgeons. Annals of surgical oncology Zhang, J. Q., Riba, L., Magrini, L., Fleishman, A., Ukandu, P., Alapati, A., Shanafelt, T., James, T. A. 2019

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: Physician burnout is a well-recognized problem in health care that has a negative impact on professional well-being and quality of patient care. Rates of burnout in breast surgery are not well-defined. This study sought to understand the degree of burnout among breast surgeons and to identify factors that influence professional fulfillment.METHODS: All U.S. members of the American Society of Breast Surgeons with a valid email address were surveyed in October 2017. The results were anonymous, and the participants were blinded to the study hypothesis. The survey included 30 questions (16-item Professional Fulfillment Index [PFI] and 14-item demographics/practice patterns). Multivariable linear regressions were performed to assess overall burnout and high professional fulfillment.RESULTS: Of the 2568 surveys delivered, 708 surveys were initiated, and 660 were completed. Among breast surgeons, 270 (41.3%) expressed burnout, whereas 281 (42.5%) reported high professional fulfillment. In the multivariable analysis, years in practice was inversely associated with burnout and positively correlated with professional fulfillment. Working more than 60h per week was positively associated with burnout, and having more than 50% of practice dedicated to breast surgery correlated positively with fulfillment.CONCLUSION: Approximately 4 of 10 breast surgeons have symptoms of burnout, whereas 4 of 10 surgeons report high professional fulfillment. Specific clinical practice conditions largely influence rates of burnout and professional fulfillment. The contributing factors identified in the study analysis may be useful in identifying breast surgeons at higher risk for burnout. The study findings also help to inform the design of interventions focused on the clinical practice environment to promote professional fulfillment and sustainability.

    View details for DOI 10.1245/s10434-019-07532-3

    View details for PubMedID 31342357

  • Healing the Professional Culture of Medicine. Mayo Clinic proceedings Shanafelt, T. D., Schein, E., Minor, L. B., Trockel, M., Schein, P., Kirch, D. 2019

    Abstract

    The past decade has been a time of great change for US physicians. Many physicians feel that the care delivery system has become a barrier to providing high-quality care rather than facilitating it. Although physician distress and some of the contributing factors are now widely recognized, much of the distress physicians are experiencing is related to insidious issues affecting the cultures of our profession, our health care organizations, and the health care delivery system. Culture refers to the shared and fundamental beliefs of a group that are so widely accepted that they are implicit and often no longer recognized. When challenges with culture arise, they almost always relate to a problem with a subcomponent of the culture even as the larger culture does many things well. In this perspective, we consider the role of culture in many of the problems facing our health care delivery system and contributing to the high prevalence of professional burnout plaguing US physicians. A framework, drawn from the field of organizational science, to address these issues and heal our professional culture is considered.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.mayocp.2019.03.026

    View details for PubMedID 31303431

  • Developmental subtypes assessed by DNA methylation-iPLEX forecast the natural history of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Blood Giacopelli, B., Zhao, Q., Ruppert, A. S., Agyeman, A., Weigel, C., Wu, Y., Gerber, M. M., Rabe, K. G., Larson, M. C., Lu, J., Blachly, J. S., Rogers, K. A., Wierda, W. G., Brown, J. R., Rai, K. R., Keating, M., Rassenti, L. Z., Kipps, T. J., Zenz, T., Shanafelt, T. D., Kay, N. E., Abruzzo, L. V., Coombes, K. R., Woyach, J. A., Byrd, J. C., Oakes, C. C. 2019

    Abstract

    Alterations in global DNA methylation patterns are a major hallmark of cancer and represent attractive biomarkers for personalized risk stratification. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) risk stratification studies typically focus on time to first treatment (TTFT), time to progression (TTP) after treatment, and overall survival (OS). Whereas TTFT risk stratification remains similar over time, TTP and OS have changed dramatically with the introduction of targeted therapies such as the Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor, ibrutinib. We have shown genome-wide DNA methylation patterns in CLL are highly associated with phenotypic differentiation and patient outcomes. Here we developed a novel assay, termed methylation-iPLEX (Me-iPLEX), for high-throughput quantification of targeted panels of single CpGs from multiple independent loci. Me-iPLEX was used to classify CLL samples into one of three known epigenetic subtypes (epitypes). We examined the impact of epitype in 1,286 CLL patients from four independent cohorts representing a comprehensive view of CLL disease course and therapies. We found epitype significantly predicted TTFT and OS among newly diagnosed CLL patients. Additionally, epitype predicted TTP and OS with two common CLL therapies, chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) and Ibrutinib. Epitype upheld significance after stratifying by biologically-related biomarkers, IGHV-mutational status and ZAP70 expression, as well as other common prognostic markers. Furthermore, among several biological traits enriched between epitypes, we found highly-biased immunogenetic features, including IGLV3-21 usage in the poorly-characterized intermediate-programmed (IP)-CLL epitype. In summary, Me-iPLEX is an elegant method to assess epigenetic signatures, including robust classification of CLL epitypes that independently stratify patient risk at diagnosis and time of treatment.

    View details for DOI 10.1182/blood.2019000490

    View details for PubMedID 31292113

  • Burnout and Satisfaction with Work-Life Integration Among Nurses. Journal of occupational and environmental medicine Dyrbye, L. N., West, C. P., Johnson, P. O., Cipriano, P. F., Beatty, D. E., Peterson, C., Major-Elechi, B., Shanafelt, T. 2019

    Abstract

    OBJECTIVES: To evaluate characteristics associated with burnout and satisfaction with work-life integration (WLI) among nurses and compare their experience to other American workers.METHODS: We used data from 8638 nurses and 5198 workers to evaluate factors associated with burnout and satisfaction with WLI, and compare nurses to workers in other fields.RESULTS: In the multivariable analysis, demographics, work hours, and highest academic degree obtained related to nursing were independent predictors of burnout. Factors independently associated with satisfaction with WLI included work hours. In pooled multivariable analyses including nurses and other workers, nurses were not more likely to have symptoms of burnout but were more likely to have lower satisfaction with WLI.CONCLUSIONS: Work hours and professional development related to the risk of burnout among nurses. Nurses are at similar risk for burnout relative to other US workers but experience greater struggles with WLI.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001637

    View details for PubMedID 31348422

  • The magnitude of improvement in progression-free survival with targeted therapy in relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia based on prognostic risk category: a systematic review and meta-analysis LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA Molica, S., Giannarelli, D., Mirabelli, R., Levato, L., Shanafelt, T. D. 2019; 60 (7): 1644–49
  • A Road Map to Foster Wellness and Engagement in Our Workplace-A Report of the 2018 Summer Intersociety Meeting JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF RADIOLOGY Kruskal, J. B., Shanafelt, T., Eby, P., Meltzer, C. C., Rawson, J., Essex, L. N., Canon, C., West, D., Bender, C. 2019; 16 (6): 869–77
  • Vascular Surgeon Burnout - A Report From the Society for Vascular Surgery Wellness Task Force Coleman, D. M., Meltzer, A. J., Wohlauer, M., Drudi, L. M., Hallbeck, M., Shanafelt, T., Money, S., Sheahan, M. MOSBY-ELSEVIER. 2019: E97
  • Estimating the Attributable Cost of Physician Burnout in the United States. Annals of internal medicine Han, S., Shanafelt, T. D., Sinsky, C. A., Awad, K. M., Dyrbye, L. N., Fiscus, L. C., Trockel, M., Goh, J. 2019

    Abstract

    Background: Although physician burnout is associated with negative clinical and organizational outcomes, its economic costs are poorly understood. As a result, leaders in health care cannot properly assess the financial benefits of initiatives to remediate physician burnout.Objective: To estimate burnout-associated costs related to physician turnover and physicians reducing their clinical hours at national (U.S.) and organizational levels.Design: Cost-consequence analysis using a mathematical model.Setting: United States.Participants: Simulated population of U.S. physicians.Measurements: Model inputs were estimated by using the results of contemporary published research findings and industry reports.Results: On a national scale, the conservative base-case model estimates that approximately $4.6 billion in costs related to physician turnover and reduced clinical hours is attributable to burnout each year in the United States. This estimate ranged from $2.6 billion to $6.3 billion in multivariate probabilistic sensitivity analyses. At an organizational level, the annual economic cost associated with burnout related to turnover and reduced clinical hours is approximately $7600 per employed physician each year.Limitations: Possibility of nonresponse bias and incomplete control of confounders in source data. Some parameters were unavailable from data and had to be extrapolated.Conclusion: Together with previous evidence that burnout can effectively be reduced with moderate levels of investment, these findings suggest substantial economic value for policy and organizational expenditures for burnout reduction programs for physicians.

    View details for DOI 10.7326/M18-1422

    View details for PubMedID 31132791

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with CLL treated with ibrutinib: Assessing prediction models and clinical outcomes. Archibald, W., Rabe, K. G., Kabat, B., Call, T., Ding, W., Kay, N. E., Kenderian, S., Muchtar, E., Leis, J., Schwager, S. M., Koehler, A., Fonder, A. L., Slager, S. L., Shanafelt, T. D., Parikh, S. AMER SOC CLINICAL ONCOLOGY. 2019
  • Rapid disease progression following discontinuation of ibrutinib in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia treated in routine clinical practice LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA Hampel, P. J., Ding, W., Call, T. G., Rabe, K. G., Kenderian, S. S., Witzig, T. E., Muchtar, E., Leis, J. F., Chanan-Khan, A. A., Koehler, A. B., Fonder, A. L., Schwager, S. M., Slager, S. L., Shanafelt, T. D., Kay, N. E., Parikh, S. A. 2019
  • Physician Work-Life Integration: Challenges and Strategies for Improvement. Clinical obstetrics and gynecology Karakash, S., Solone, M., Chavez, J., Shanafelt, T. 2019

    Abstract

    Increasing evidence shows physician well-being is linked to patient outcomes, patient and physician satisfaction, and workforce retention. Physician well-being is a broad construct that includes various dimensions of distress (stress, anxiety, fatigue, burnout) and professional fulfillment (meaning in work, engagement). Work-life integration (WLI) is one important component of physician well-being. We will review the current state of WLI among physicians as well as some strategies to improve this aspect of physician well-being. We address this topic through the lens of obstetrics and gynecology, including a discussion of specialty-specific characteristics that present unique challenges and opportunities to improve WLI.

    View details for PubMedID 30950862

  • Clarifications Needed on Study of Association Between Physician Burnout and Patient Safety JAMA INTERNAL MEDICINE Dyrbye, L. N., Shanafelt, T. D., West, C. P. 2019; 179 (4): 593
  • Perceived risk for cancer progression and psychological status in chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients: CALGB 70603 (Alliance). Leukemia & lymphoma Deshields, T. L., Dueck, A. C., Rogers, K., Brown, J. R., Shanafelt, T., Mintzer, D., Byrd, J. C. 2019: 1–4

    View details for DOI 10.1080/10428194.2019.1594218

    View details for PubMedID 30916608

  • KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF mutations are highly enriched in trisomy 12 chronic lymphocytic leukemia and are associated with shorter treatment-free survival. Leukemia Vendramini, E., Bomben, R., Pozzo, F., Benedetti, D., Bittolo, T., Rossi, F. M., Dal Bo, M., Rabe, K. G., Pozzato, G., Zaja, F., Chiarenza, A., Di Raimondo, F., Braggio, E., Parikh, S. A., Kay, N. E., Shanafelt, T. D., Del Poeta, G., Gattei, V., Zucchetto, A. 2019

    View details for PubMedID 30872781

  • Clarifications Needed on Study of Association Between Physician Burnout and Patient Safety. JAMA internal medicine Dyrbye, L. N., Shanafelt, T. D., West, C. P. 2019

    View details for PubMedID 30830173

  • Organizational factors affecting physician well-being. Current treatment options in pediatrics Tawfik, D. S., Profit, J., Webber, S., Shanafelt, T. D. 2019; 5 (1): 11–25

    Abstract

    Purpose of review: Symptoms of burnout affect approximately half of pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists at any given time, with similarly concerning prevalence of other aspects of physician distress, including fatigue, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation. Physician well-being affects quality of care, patient satisfaction, and physician turnover. Organizational factors influence well-being, stressing the need for organizations to address this epidemic.Recent findings: Organizational characteristics, policies, and culture influence physician well-being, and specific strategies may support an environment where physicians thrive. We highlight four organizational opportunities to improve physician well-being: developing leaders, cultivating community and organizational culture, improving practice efficiency, and optimizing administrative policies. Leaders play a key role in aligning organizational and individual values, promoting professional fulfillment, and fostering a culture of collegiality and social support among physicians. Reducing documentation burden and improving practice efficiency may help balance job demands and resources. Finally, reforming administrative policies may reduce work-home conflict, support physician's efforts to attend to their own well-being, and normalize use of supportive resources.Summary: Physician well-being is critical to organizational success, sustainment of an adequate workforce, and optimal patient outcomes. Because burnout is primarily influenced by organizational factors, organizational interventions are key to promoting well-being. Developing supportive leadership, fostering a culture of wellness, optimizing practice efficiency, and improving administrative policies are worthy of organizational action and further research.

    View details for DOI 10.1007/s40746-019-00147-6

    View details for PubMedID 31632895

  • Burnout Among Physicians Compared With Individuals With a Professional or Doctoral Degree in a Field Outside of Medicine MAYO CLINIC PROCEEDINGS Shanafelt, T. D., Sinsky, C., Dyrbye, L. N., Trockel, M., West, C. P. 2019; 94 (3): 549-551
  • Burnout Among Physicians Compared With Individuals With a Professional or Doctoral Degree in a Field Outside of Medicine. Mayo Clinic proceedings Shanafelt, T. D., Sinsky, C., Dyrbye, L. N., Trockel, M., West, C. P. 2019; 94 (3): 549–51

    View details for PubMedID 30832797

  • Efficacy of the Well-Being Index to identify distress and stratify well-being in Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners Dyrbye, L. N., Johnson, P. O., Johnson, L. M., Halasy, M. P., Gossard, A. A., Satele, D., Shanafelt, T. 2019

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To evaluate the ability of the Well-Being Index (WBI) to stratify distress and well-being (high quality of life [QOL]) in nurse practitioners and physician assistants (NPs and PAs) and identify those whose degree of distress place them at an increased risk for medical error or turnover.METHODS: A national sample of NPs and PAs completed a survey that included the WBI and instruments to measure QOL, fatigue, burnout, recent suicidal ideation, medical error, and intent to leave the current job.CONCLUSIONS: Overall, 1,576 of 4,106 (38.4%) NPs and PAs completed the survey. Those NPs and PAs with low mental QOL, extreme fatigue, recent suicidal ideation, or burnout had less favorable WBI scores (all p < .0001). Using a prevalence of low overall QOL among APPs of 14.4% as the pretest probability, the WBI score can reduce the posttest probability of low QOL to 2% or increase it to 64.7%. As the WBI score worsened, the posttest probability of high overall QOL decreased from 73% to 8.2%. Also, WBI score stratified the NPs and PAs likelihood of reporting recent medical errors and intent to leave his or her current job.IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The WBI is a useful screening tool to stratify distress and well-being in APPs across a variety of domains and identify those NPs and PAs whose degree of distress may increase the risk of medical error or turnover.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/JXX.0000000000000179

    View details for PubMedID 30829967

  • Changes in Burnout and Satisfaction With Work-Life Integration in Physicians and the General US Working Population Between 2011 and 2017. Mayo Clinic proceedings Shanafelt, T. D., West, C. P., Sinsky, C., Trockel, M., Tutty, M., Satele, D. V., Carlasare, L. E., Dyrbye, L. N. 2019

    Abstract

    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of burnout and satisfaction with work-life integration among physicians and other US workers in 2017 compared with 2011 and2014.PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Between October 12, 2017, and March 15, 2018, we surveyed US physicians and a probability-based sample of the US working population using methods similar to our 2011 and 2014 studies. A secondary survey with intensive follow-up was conducted in a sample of nonresponders to evaluate response bias. Burnout and work-life integration were measured using standard tools.RESULTS: Of 30,456 physicians who received an invitation to participate, 5197 (17.1%) completed surveys. Among the 476 physicians in the secondary survey of nonresponders, 248 (52.1%) responded. A comparison of responders in the 2 surveys revealed no significant differences in burnout scores (P=.66), suggesting that participants were representative of US physicians. When assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory, 43.9% (2147 of 4893) of the physicians who completed the MBI reported at least one symptom of burnout in 2017 compared with 54.4% (3680 of 6767) in 2014 (P<.001) and 45.5% (3310 of 7227) in 2011 (P=.04). Satisfaction with work-life integration was more favorable in 2017 (42.7% [2056 of 4809]) than in 2014 (40.9% [2718 of 6651]; P<.001) but less favorable than in 2011 (48.5% [3512 of 7244]; P<.001). On multivariate analysis adjusting for age, sex, relationship status, and hours worked per week, physicians were at increased risk for burnout (odds ratio, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.26-1.54; P<.001) and were less likely to be satisfied with work-life integration (odds ratio, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.70-0.85; P<.001) than other working US adults.CONCLUSION: Burnout and satisfaction with work-life integration among US physicians improved between 2014 and 2017, with burnout currently near 2011 levels. Physicians remain at increased risk for burnout relative to workers in other fields.

    View details for PubMedID 30803733

  • Building a Program on Well-Being: Key Design Considerations to Meet the Unique Needs of Each Organization ACADEMIC MEDICINE Shanafelt, T., Trockel, M., Ripp, J., Murphy, M., Sandborg, C., Bohman, B. 2019; 94 (2): 156–61
  • Work-life balance behaviours cluster in work settings and relate to burnout and safety culture: a cross-sectional survey analysis BMJ QUALITY & SAFETY Schwartz, S. P., Adair, K. C., Bae, J., Rehder, K. J., Shanafelt, T. D., Profit, J., Sexton, J. 2019; 28 (2): 142-150
  • Incidence of and risk factors for major haemorrhage in patients treated with ibrutinib: An integrated analysis BRITISH JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY Brown, J. R., Moslehi, J., Ewer, M. S., O'Brien, S. M., Ghia, P., Cymbalista, F., Shanafelt, T. D., Fraser, G., Rule, S., Coutre, S. E., Dilhuydy, M., Cramer, P., Jaeger, U., Dreyling, M., Byrd, J. C., Treon, S., Liu, E. Y., Chang, S., Bista, A., Vempati, R., Boornazian, L., Valentino, R., Reddy, V., Mahler, M., Yang, H., Graef, T., Burger, J. A. 2019; 184 (4): 558-569

    View details for DOI 10.1111/bjh.15690

    View details for Web of Science ID 000457794400009

  • Evidence Relating Health Care Provider Burnout and Quality of Care: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Annals of internal medicine Tawfik, D. S., Scheid, A. n., Profit, J. n., Shanafelt, T. n., Trockel, M. n., Adair, K. C., Sexton, J. B., Ioannidis, J. P. 2019

    Abstract

    Whether health care provider burnout contributes to lower quality of patient care is unclear.To estimate the overall relationship between burnout and quality of care and to evaluate whether published studies provide exaggerated estimates of this relationship.MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Health and Psychosocial Instruments (EBSCO), Mental Measurements Yearbook (EBSCO), EMBASE (Elsevier), and Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics), with no language restrictions, from inception through 28 May 2019.Peer-reviewed publications, in any language, quantifying health care provider burnout in relation to quality of patient care.2 reviewers independently selected studies, extracted measures of association of burnout and quality of care, and assessed potential bias by using the Ioannidis (excess significance) and Egger (small-study effect) tests.A total of 11 703 citations were identified, from which 123 publications with 142 study populations encompassing 241 553 health care providers were selected. Quality-of-care outcomes were grouped into 5 categories: best practices (n = 14), communication (n = 5), medical errors (n = 32), patient outcomes (n = 17), and quality and safety (n = 74). Relations between burnout and quality of care were highly heterogeneous (I2 = 93.4% to 98.8%). Of 114 unique burnout-quality combinations, 58 indicated burnout related to poor-quality care, 6 indicated burnout related to high-quality care, and 50 showed no significant effect. Excess significance was apparent (73% of studies observed vs. 62% predicted to have statistically significant results; P = 0.011). This indicator of potential bias was most prominent for the least-rigorous quality measures of best practices and quality and safety.Studies were primarily observational; neither causality nor directionality could be determined.Burnout in health care professionals frequently is associated with poor-quality care in the published literature. The true effect size may be smaller than reported. Future studies should prespecify outcomes to reduce the risk for exaggerated effect size estimates.Stanford Maternal and Child Health Research Institute.

    View details for DOI 10.7326/M19-1152

    View details for PubMedID 31590181

  • Rapid disease progression following discontinuation of ibrutinib in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia treated in routine clinical practice. Leukemia & lymphoma Hampel, P. J., Ding, W. n., Call, T. G., Rabe, K. G., Kenderian, S. S., Witzig, T. E., Muchtar, E. n., Leis, J. F., Chanan-Khan, A. A., Koehler, A. B., Fonder, A. L., Schwager, S. M., Slager, S. L., Shanafelt, T. D., Kay, N. E., Parikh, S. A. 2019: 1–8

    Abstract

    We identified all patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia at Mayo Clinic treated with ibrutinib outside the context of a clinical trial; timing and reasons for discontinuation were ascertained, as were symptoms, exam and radiographic findings, and laboratory changes following discontinuation. Of 202 patients who received ibrutinib, 52 discontinued therapy (estimated 1- and 2-year risk of discontinuation 18% and 28%, respectively). The most common reasons for discontinuation were toxicity (56%) and progression of disease (32%, including Richter's transformation in 15%). Rapid progression of disease within 4 weeks after discontinuation was observed in 9/36 (25%) patients with adequate records for review, mostly in those stopping ibrutinib for disease progression (n = 8) rather than toxicity (n = 1). This was evident by sudden worsening of disease-related symptoms (n = 9), exam/radiographic changes (n = 7), and laboratory changes (n = 8). An estimated one in every three patients discontinued ibrutinib by 2 years, with 25% developing rapid disease progression afterwards.

    View details for PubMedID 31014142

  • Prognostic risk score for patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia treated with targeted therapies or chemoimmunotherapy: a retrospective, pooled cohort study with external validations. The Lancet. Haematology Soumerai, J. D., Ni, A. n., Darif, M. n., Londhe, A. n., Xing, G. n., Mun, Y. n., Kay, N. E., Shanafelt, T. D., Rabe, K. G., Byrd, J. C., Chanan-Khan, A. A., Furman, R. R., Hillmen, P. n., Jones, J. n., Seymour, J. F., Sharman, J. P., Ferrante, L. n., Mobasher, M. n., Stark, T. n., Reddy, V. n., Dreiling, L. K., Bhargava, P. n., Howes, A. n., James, D. F., Zelenetz, A. D. 2019

    Abstract

    Clinically validated prognostic models for overall survival do not exist for patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) who are on targeted therapies. We aimed to create a prognostic model to identify high-risk individuals who do not achieve a good outcome with available targeted therapies.In this retrospective, pooled cohort study, 2475 patients with CLL treated between June 22, 2012, and Sept 23, 2015, in six randomised trials of ibrutinib, idelalisib, and venetoclax, or at the Mayo Clinic CLL Database (MCCD) were included. Eligible patients had CLL, were previously treated, were aged 18 years or older, had ECOG performance status 0-1, and required further treatment as per the international workshop on CLL 2008 criteria. There was heterogeneity in other eligibility criteria. We evaluated 28 candidate factors known to affect the overall survival of these patients and applied univariate and multivariate analyses to derive the risk score in a training dataset (n=727) of patients treated with ibrutinib or chemoimmunotherapy. We validated the score in an internal-validation dataset (n=242) of patients treated with ibrutinib or chemoimmunotherapy and three external-validation datasets (ibrutinib or chemoimmunotherapy dataset, n=897; venetoclax or chemoimmunotherapy dataset, n=389; and the MCCD [including patients treated with heterogeneous therapies], n=220), applying C-statistics as a measure of discrimination.The derived model consisted of four factors (one point each; serum β2-microglobulin ≥5 mg/dL, lactate dehydrogenase >upper limit of normal, haemoglobin <110 g/L for women or <120 g/L for men, and time from initiation of last therapy <24 months), separating patients into low (score 0-1), intermediate (score 2-3), and high risk (score 4) groups. The risk score was prognostic for overall survival in the training dataset (CS=0·74, 95% CI 0·60-0·85, log-rank p<0·0001), and in the internal-validation (CS=0·79, 0·56-0·97, log-rank p=0·0003), and all three external-validation cohorts (idelalisib or chemoimmunotherapy: CS=0·71, 0·59-0·81, log-rank p<0·0001; venetoclax or chemoimmunotherapy: CS =0·76, 0·66-0·85, log-rank p=0·014; MCCD cohort: CS=0·61, 0·56-0·66), log-rank p<0·0001). The risk score is available on Calculate by QxMD.We present the first validated risk score to predict overall survival in patients with relapsed or refractory CLL treated with targeted therapy. The model is applicable to patients treated with all currently approved targeted therapies (ibrutinib, idelalisib, and venetoclax) and chemoimmunotherapy. This tool allows the identification of a well defined cohort of previously treated patients with CLL who are at high risk of death, and could be used in future prospective trials to test therapeutic options for these patients with an unmet clinical need.Lymphoma Research Foundation, Lymphoma Research Fund (Andrew D Zelenetz), and National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/S2352-3026(19)30085-7

    View details for PubMedID 31109827

  • Role of long non-coding RNAs in disease progression of early stage unmutated chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Oncotarget Tschumper, R. C., Shanafelt, T. D., Kay, N. E., Jelinek, D. F. 2019; 10 (1): 60–75

    Abstract

    Predicting disease progression in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) remains challenging particularly in patients with Rai Stage 0/I disease that have an unmutated immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (UM IGHV). Even though patients with UM IGHV have a poor prognosis and generally require earlier treatment, not all UM IGHV patients experience more rapid disease progression with some remaining treatment free for many years. This observation suggests biologic characteristics other than known prognostic factors influence disease progression. Alterations in long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression levels have been implicated in diagnosis and prognosis of various cancers, however, their role in disease progression of early Rai stage UM CLL is unknown. Here we use microarray analysis to compare lncRNA and mRNA profiles of Rai 0/I UM IGHV patients who progressed in <2 years relative to patients who had not progressed for >5 years. Over 1,300 lncRNAs and 940 mRNAs were differentially expressed (fold change ≥ 2.0; p-value ≤ 0.05). Of interest, the differentially expressed lncRNAs T204050, NR_002947, and uc.436+, have known associated genes that have been linked to CLL. Thus, our study reveals differentially expressed lncRNAs in progressive early stage CLL requiring therapy versus indolent early Rai stage UM CLL. These lncRNAs have the potential to impact relevant biological processes and pathways that influence clinical outcome in CLL.

    View details for PubMedID 30713603

  • Ibrutinib-Rituximab or Chemoimmunotherapy for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. The New England journal of medicine Shanafelt, T. D., Wang, X. V., Kay, N. E., Hanson, C. A., O'Brien, S. n., Barrientos, J. n., Jelinek, D. F., Braggio, E. n., Leis, J. F., Zhang, C. C., Coutre, S. E., Barr, P. M., Cashen, A. F., Mato, A. R., Singh, A. K., Mullane, M. P., Little, R. F., Erba, H. n., Stone, R. M., Litzow, M. n., Tallman, M. n. 2019; 381 (5): 432–43

    Abstract

    Data regarding the efficacy of treatment with ibrutinib-rituximab, as compared with standard chemoimmunotherapy with fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab, in patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have been limited.In a phase 3 trial, we randomly assigned (in a 2:1 ratio) patients 70 years of age or younger with previously untreated CLL to receive either ibrutinib and rituximab for six cycles (after a single cycle of ibrutinib alone), followed by ibrutinib until disease progression, or six cycles of chemoimmunotherapy with fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab. The primary end point was progression-free survival, and overall survival was a secondary end point. We report the results of a planned interim analysis.A total of 529 patients underwent randomization (354 patients to the ibrutinib-rituximab group, and 175 to the chemoimmunotherapy group). At a median follow-up of 33.6 months, the results of the analysis of progression-free survival favored ibrutinib-rituximab over chemoimmunotherapy (89.4% vs. 72.9% at 3 years; hazard ratio for progression or death, 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.22 to 0.56; P<0.001), and the results met the protocol-defined efficacy threshold for the interim analysis. The results of the analysis of overall survival also favored ibrutinib-rituximab over chemoimmunotherapy (98.8% vs. 91.5% at 3 years; hazard ratio for death, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.05 to 0.54; P<0.001). In a subgroup analysis involving patients without immunoglobulin heavy-chain variable region (IGHV) mutation, ibrutinib-rituximab resulted in better progression-free survival than chemoimmunotherapy (90.7% vs. 62.5% at 3 years; hazard ratio for progression or death, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.14 to 0.50). The 3-year progression-free survival among patients with IGHV mutation was 87.7% in the ibrutinib-rituximab group and 88.0% in the chemoimmunotherapy group (hazard ratio for progression or death, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.14 to 1.36). The incidence of adverse events of grade 3 or higher (regardless of attribution) was similar in the two groups (in 282 of 352 patients [80.1%] who received ibrutinib-rituximab and in 126 of 158 [79.7%] who received chemoimmunotherapy), whereas infectious complications of grade 3 or higher were less common with ibrutinib-rituximab than with chemoimmunotherapy (in 37 patients [10.5%] vs. 32 [20.3%], P<0.001).The ibrutinib-rituximab regimen resulted in progression-free survival and overall survival that were superior to those with a standard chemoimmunotherapy regimen among patients 70 years of age or younger with previously untreated CLL. (Funded by the National Cancer Institute and Pharmacyclics; E1912 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02048813.).

    View details for DOI 10.1056/NEJMoa1817073

    View details for PubMedID 31365801

  • A cross-sectional study exploring the relationship between burnout, absenteeism, and job performance among American nurses. BMC nursing Dyrbye, L. N., Shanafelt, T. D., Johnson, P. O., Johnson, L. A., Satele, D., West, C. P. 2019; 18: 57

    Abstract

    Background: Studies suggest a high prevalence of burnout among nurses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between burnout among nurses and absenteeism and work performance.Methods: A national sample of U.S. nurses was sent an anonymous, cross-sectional survey in 2016. The survey included items about demographics, fatigue, and validated instruments to measure burnout, absenteeism, and poor work performance in the last month.Results: Of the 3098 nurses who received the survey, 812 (26.2%) responded. The mean age was 52.3years (SD 12.5), nearly all were women (94.5%) and most were married (61.9%) and had a child (75.2%). Participating nurses had a mean of 25.7 (SD 13.9) years of experience working as nurse and most held a baccalaureate (38.2%) or masters of science (37.1%) degree in nursing. A quarter worked in the inpatient setting (25.5%) and the average hours worked per week was 41.3 (SD 14.1). Overall, 35.3% had symptoms of burnout, 30.7% had symptoms of depression, 8.3% had been absent 1 or more days in the last month due to personal health, and 43.8% had poor work performance in the last month. Nurses who had burnout were more likely to have been absent 1 or more days in the last month (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.25-2.72) and have poor work performance (referent: high performer; medium performer, OR 2.68,95% CI 1.82-3.99; poor performer, OR 5.01, 95% CI 3.09-8.14). After adjusting for age, sex, relationship and parental status, highest academic degree, practice setting, burnout, depression, and satisfaction with work-life integration, nurses who were more fatigued (for each point worsening, OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.10-1.37) were more likely to have had absenteeism while those who worked more hours (for each additional hour OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96-1.00) were less likely to have had absenteeism. Factors independently associated with poor work performance included burnout (OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.43-3.24) and fatigue (for each point of worsening, OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.12-1.33).Conclusions: These findings suggest burnout is prevalent among nurses and likely impacts work performance.

    View details for DOI 10.1186/s12912-019-0382-7

    View details for PubMedID 31768129

  • IGH translocations in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL): clinicopathologic features and clinical outcomes. American journal of hematology Fang, H., Reichard, K. K., Rabe, K. G., Hanson, C. A., Call, T. G., Ding, W., Kenderian, S. S., Muchtar, E., Schwager, S. M., Leis, J. F., Chanan-Khan, A. A., Slager, S. L., Braggio, E., Smoley, S. A., Kay, N. E., Shanafelt, T. D., Van Dyke, D. L., Parikh, S. A. 2018

    Abstract

    The prevalence, clinicopathologic correlates, and outcomes of previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients with IGH-BCL2 and IGH-BCL3 translocations are not well known. Using the Mayo Clinic CLL database, we identified patients seen between 3/1/2002 and 9/30/2016 who had FISH testing performed within 3 years of CLL diagnosis. The prognostic profile, time to first therapy (TTT) and overall survival (OS) of patients with IGH-BCL2 and IGH-BCL3 translocation were compared to patients without these abnormalities (non-IGH group). Of 1684 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 38 (2.2%) had IGH-BCL2, and 16 (0.9%) had IGH-BCL3 translocation at diagnosis. Patients with IGH-BCL3 translocation were more likely to have high and very-high CLL-International Prognostic Index, compared to patients with IGH-BCL2 translocation and the non-IGH group. The 5-year probability of requiring therapy was significantly higher for IGH-BCL3 compared to IGH-BCL2 and non-IGH groups (84% vs. 33% vs. 29%, respectively, p<0.0001). The 5-year OS was significantly shorter for IGH-BCL3 compared to IGH-BCL2 and non-IGH groups (45% vs. 89% vs. 86%, respectively, p<0.0001). On multivariable analyses, IGH-BCL3 translocation was associated with a shorter TTT (hazard ratio (HR)=2.7; p=0.005) and shorter OS (HR=5.5; p<0.0001); IGH-BCL2 translocation did not impact TTT and OS. In conclusion, approximately 3% of all newly diagnosed CLL patients have either an IGH-BCL2 or IGH-BCL3 translocation. Patients with IGH-BCL3 translocations have a distinct prognostic profile and outcome. These results support the inclusion of an IGH probe during the routine evaluation of FISH abnormalities in newly diagnosed CLL. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

    View details for DOI 10.1002/ajh.25385

    View details for PubMedID 30575108

  • Chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells from ibrutinib treated patients are sensitive to Axl receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy. Oncotarget Sinha, S., Boysen, J. C., Chaffee, K. G., Kabat, B. F., Slager, S. L., Parikh, S. A., Secreto, C. R., Call, T., Shanafelt, T. D., Leis, J. F., Warner, S. L., Bearss, D. J., Ghosh, A. K., Kay, N. E. 2018; 9 (98): 37173–84

    Abstract

    Earlier we have shown the expression of a constitutively active receptor tyrosine kinase Axl in CLL B-cells from previously untreated CLL patients, and that Axl inhibitor TP-0903 induces robust leukemic B-cell death. To explore whether Axl is an effective target in relapsed/refractory CLL patients, we analyzed CLL B-cells obtained from CLL patients on ibrutinib therapy. Ibrutinib-exposed CLL B-cells were treated with increasing doses (0.01- 0.50muM) of a new formulation of high-affinity Axl inhibitor, TP-0903 (tartrate salt), for 24 hours and LD50 doses were determined. Sensitivity of CLL B-cells was compared with known prognostic factors and effect of TP-0903 was also evaluated on Axl signaling pathway in CLL B-cells from this cohort. We detected sustained overexpression of Axl in CLL B-cells from CLL patients on ibrutinib treatment, suggests targeting Axl could be a promising strategy to overcome drug resistance and killing of CLL B-cells in these patients. We found that CLL B-cells from sixty-nine percent of relapsed CLL patients actively on ibrutinib therapy were found to be highly sensitive to TP-0903 with induction of apoptosis at nanomolar doses (≤0.50 muM). TP-0903 treatment effectively inhibited Axl phosphorylation and reduced expression levels of anti-apoptotic proteins (Mcl-1, XIAP) in ibrutinib exposed CLL B-cells. In total, our in vitro preclinical studies showing that TP-0903 is very effective at inducing apoptosis in CLL B-cells obtained from ibrutinib-exposed patients supports further testing of this drug in relapsed/refractory CLL.

    View details for DOI 10.18632/oncotarget.26444

    View details for PubMedID 30647852

  • A Road Map to Foster Wellness and Engagement in Our Workplace-A Report of the 2018 Summer Intersociety Meeting. Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR Kruskal, J. B., Shanafelt, T., Eby, P., Meltzer, C. C., Rawson, J., Essex, L. N., Canon, C., West, D., Bender, C. 2018

    Abstract

    The 2018 radiology Intersociety Committee reviewed the current state of stress and burnout in our workplaces and identified approaches for fostering engagement, wellness, and job satisfaction. In addition to emphasizing the importance of personal wellness (the fourth aim of health care), the major focus of the meeting was to identify strategies and themes to mitigate the frequency, manifestations, and impact of stress. Strategies include reducing the stigma of burnout, minimizing isolation through community building and fostering connectivity, utilizing data and benchmarking to guide effectiveness of improvement efforts, resourcing and training "wellness" committees, acknowledging value contributions of team members, and improving efficiency in the workplace. Four themes were identified toprioritize organizational efforts: (1) collecting, analyzing, and benchmarking data; (2) developing effective leadership; (3) building high-functioning teams; and (4) amplifying our voice to increase our influence.

    View details for PubMedID 30559039

  • The magnitude of improvement in progression-free survival with targeted therapy in relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia based on prognostic risk category: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Leukemia & lymphoma Molica, S., Giannarelli, D., Mirabelli, R., Levato, L., Shanafelt, T. D. 2018: 1–6

    Abstract

    Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) guidelines highlight the relevance of cytogenetic and molecular testing to identify patients with high-risk genetic features. However, at the moment, only 17p del/TP53 mutation are universally recognized parameters influencing choice of therapy. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis assessing the magnitude of improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) with B-cell receptor (BCR) (i.e. ibrutinib and idelalisib) or BCL2 (i.e. venetoclax) pathway inhibitors based on the presence or absence of 17p deletion/TP53 mutations, 11q deletion and IGHV mutational status in relapsed/refractory (R/R) CLL patients. Meta-analysis of seven randomized trials comprising 2409 patients with R/R CLL revealed that improvement over traditional treatments observed with BCR or BCL2 pathway inhibitors is common to all patients, including those patients with unfavorable and favorable prognostic parameters. These findings provide quantitative evidence to support the choice of therapy in R/R CLL not solely on the basis of 17p del/TP53 mutations.

    View details for PubMedID 30516079

  • Incidence of and risk factors for major haemorrhage in patients treated with ibrutinib: An integrated analysis. British journal of haematology Brown, J. R., Moslehi, J., Ewer, M. S., O'Brien, S. M., Ghia, P., Cymbalista, F., Shanafelt, T. D., Fraser, G., Rule, S., Coutre, S. E., Dilhuydy, M., Cramer, P., Jaeger, U., Dreyling, M., Byrd, J. C., Treon, S., Liu, E. Y., Chang, S., Bista, A., Vempati, R., Boornazian, L., Valentino, R., Reddy, V., Mahler, M., Yang, H., Graef, T., Burger, J. A. 2018

    Abstract

    Ibrutinib, a Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is approved for treatment of various B-cell malignancies. In ibrutinib clinical studies, low-grade haemorrhage was common, whereas major haemorrhage (MH) was infrequent. We analysed the incidence of and risk factors for MH from 15 ibrutinib clinical studies (N=1768), including 4 randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Rates of any-grade bleeding were similar for single-agent ibrutinib and ibrutinib combinations (39% and 40%). Low-grade bleeding was more common in ibrutinib-treated than comparator-treated patients (35% and 15%), and early low-grade bleeding was not associated with MH. The proportion of MH in RCTs was higher with ibrutinib than comparators (4.4% vs. 2.8%), but after adjusting for longer exposure with ibrutinib (median 13months vs. 6months), the incidence of MH was similar (3.2 vs. 3.1 per 1000 person-months). MH led to treatment discontinuation in 1% of all ibrutinib-treated patients. Use of anticoagulants and/or antiplatelets (AC/AP) during the study was common (~50% of patients) and had an increased exposure-adjusted relative risk for MH in both the total ibrutinib-treated population (1.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-3.0) and RCT comparator-treated patients (2.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-5.6), indicating that ibrutinib may not alter the effect of AC/AP on the risk of MH in B-cell malignancies.

    View details for PubMedID 30506764

  • Clonal Hematopoiesis of Indeterminate Potential (CHIP) and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Driver Genes: Risk of CLL and Monoclonal B-Cell Lymphocytosis (MBL) Boddicker, N. J., O'Brien, D. R., Braggio, E., Achenbach, S. J., Chaffee, K. G., Norman, A. D., Vachon, C. M., Kabat, B., Call, T. G., Parikh, S. A., Leis, J. F., Ding, W., Muchtar, E., Cerhan, J. R., Shanafelt, T. D., Kay, N. E., Caporaso, N. E., Slager, S. L. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2018
  • Telomere Length Is Associated with Epigenetic Programming in CLL and Is a Superior Predictor of Clinical Outcome with the Ability to Bifurcate Patients with the Same CLL-IPI Score Norris, K., Oakes, C. C., Giacopelli, B., Shanafelt, T. D., Kay, N. E., Chaffee, K. G., Fegan, C., Baird, D. M., Pepper, C. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2018
  • Risk Model for Overall Survival for Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Validated for Patients on Ibrutinib, Idelalisib, Venetoclax, or Chemoimmuniotheraphy Soumerai, J. D., Ni, A., Darif, M., Londhe, A., Xing, G., Mun, Y., Kay, N. E., Shanafelt, T. D., Chaffee, K. G., Furman, R. R., Hillmen, P., Sharman, J., Seymour, J. F., Chanan-Khan, A. A., Byrd, J. C., Jones, J. A., Ferrante, L. A., Dreiling, L. K., Mobasher, M., Stark, T., Reddy, V., Howes, A. J., James, D., Bhargava, P., Zelenetz, A. D. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2018
  • Association between the Risk of Low/High-Count Monoclonal B-Cell Lymphocytosis (MBL) and the Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Polygenic Risk Score (PRS) Kleinstern, G., Achenbach, S. J., Robinson, D. P., Norman, A. D., Chaffee, K. G., Lesnick, C. E., Parikh, S. A., Call, T. G., Olson, J. E., Cerhan, J. R., Kay, N. E., Hanson, C. A., Shanafelt, T. D., Slager, S. L. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2018
  • The Magnitude of Improvement in Progression-Free Survival with Targeted Therapy in Relapsed/Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Based on Genetic Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Molica, S., Giannarelli, D., Mirabelli, R., Levato, L., Shanafelt, T. D. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2018
  • Predictive value of the CLL-IPI in CLL patients receiving chemo-immunotherapy as first-line treatment EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY Gentile, M., Shanafelt, T. D., Mauro, F., Reda, G., Rossi, D., Laurenti, L., Del Principe, M., Cutrona, G., Angeletti, I., Coscia, M., Herishanu, Y., Chiarenza, A., Molica, S., Ciolli, S., Goldschmidt, N., Angrilli, F., Giordano, A., Rago, A., Bairey, O., Tripepi, G., Chaffee, K. G., Sameer, P. A., Vigna, E., Zirlik, K., Shvidel, L., Innocenti, I., Recchia, A., Di Raimondo, F., Del Poeta, G., Cortelezzi, A., Neri, A., Ferrarini, M., Gaidano, G., Kay, N. E., Polliack, A., Foa, R., Morabito, F. 2018; 101 (5): 703–6

    View details for PubMedID 30039576

  • Physician Burnout, Well-being, and Work Unit Safety Grades in Relationship to Reported Medical Errors MAYO CLINIC PROCEEDINGS Tawfik, D. S., Profit, J., Morgenthaler, T. I., Satele, D. V., Sinsky, C. A., Dyrbye, L. N., Tutty, M. A., West, C. P., Shanafelt, T. D. 2018; 93 (11): 1571-1580
  • Physician and Nurse Well-Being: Seven Things Hospital Boards Should Know JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT Shanafelt, T., Swensen, S. J., Woody, J., Levin, J., Lillie, J. 2018; 63 (6): 363-369
  • Physician and Nurse Well-Being: Seven Things Hospital Boards Should Know. Journal of healthcare management / American College of Healthcare Executives Shanafelt, T., Swensen, S. J., Woody, J., Levin, J., Lillie, J. 2018; 63 (6): 363–69

    View details for PubMedID 30418362

  • Autoimmune cytopenias in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia treated with ibrutinib in routine clinical practice at an academic medical centre BRITISH JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY Hampel, P. J., Larson, M. C., Kabat, B., Call, T. G., Ding, W., Kenderian, S. S., Bowen, D., Boysen, J., Schwager, S. M., Leis, J. F., Chanan-Khan, A. A., Muchtar, E., Hanson, C. A., Slager, S. L., Kay, N. E., Chaffee, K. G., Shanafelt, T. D., Parikh, S. A. 2018; 183 (3): 421–27

    Abstract

    The effects of ibrutinib on the natural history of autoimmune cytopenias (AIC) among chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) patients treated in routine clinical practice require further investigation. Using the Mayo Clinical CLL Database, 193 CLL patients treated with ibrutinib between November 2013 and January 2017 outside the context of a clinical trial were identified; complete review of their medical records was performed for details of past history of AIC and treatment-emergent AIC. We identified 29/193 (15%) patients with history of AIC prior to ibrutinib start. Of 12 patients requiring AIC therapy at ibrutinib start, 8 (67%) were able to discontinue or de-escalate AIC treatment, and no patient had worsening of their AIC after initiating ibrutinib. Eleven (6%) patients developed treatment-emergent AIC after a median of 59 (range, 6-319) days following the initiation of ibrutinib, 7 of whom (64%) were able to continue ibrutinib. Overall and event-free survival from time of ibrutinib start were not significantly different between patients with history of AIC and those with no history of AIC. Treatment-emergent AIC were seen exclusively in patients with unmutated IGHV and were associated with a shorter EFS. These results suggest a low rate of treatment-emergent AIC and improvement in patients with existing AIC.

    View details for PubMedID 30117139

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC6234062

  • In Reply-Burnout Is Not Associated With Increased Medical Errors. Mayo Clinic proceedings Tawfik, D. S., Profit, J., Morgenthaler, T. I., Satele, D. V., Sinsky, C., Dyrbye, L., Tutty, M., West, C. P., Shanafelt, T. D. 2018; 93 (11): 1683–84

    View details for PubMedID 30392548

  • In Reply-Burnout Is Not Associated With Increased Medical Errors MAYO CLINIC PROCEEDINGS Tawfik, D. S., Profit, J., Morgenthaler, T. I., Satele, D. V., Sinsky, C., Dyrbye, L., Tutty, M., West, C. P., Shanafelt, T. D. 2018; 93 (11): 1683–84
  • Age and sex differences in burnout, career satisfaction, and well-being in US neurologists. Neurology LaFaver, K., Miyasaki, J. M., Keran, C. M., Rheaume, C., Gulya, L., Levin, K. H., Jones, E. C., Schwarz, H. B., Molano, J. R., Hessler, A., Singhal, D., Shanafelt, T. D., Sloan, J. A., Novotny, P. J., Cascino, T. L., Busis, N. A. 2018

    Abstract

    OBJECTIVE: To examine age and sex differences in burnout, career satisfaction, and well-being in US neurologists.METHODS: Quantitative and qualitative analyses of men's (n = 1,091) and women's (n = 580) responses to a 2016 survey of US neurologists.RESULTS: Emotional exhaustion in neurologists initially increased with age, then started to decrease as neurologists got older. Depersonalization decreased as neurologists got older. Fatigue and overall quality of life in neurologists initially worsened with age, then started to improve as neurologists got older. More women (64.6%) than men (57.8%) met burnout criteria on univariate analysis. Women respondents were younger and more likely to work in academic and employed positions. Sex was not an independent predictive factor of burnout, fatigue, or overall quality of life after controlling for age. In both men and women, greater autonomy, meaning in work, reasonable amount of clerical tasks, and having effective support staff were associated with lower burnout risk. More hours worked, more nights on call, higher outpatient volume, and higher percent of time in clinical practice were associated with higher burnout risk. For women, greater number of weekends doing hospital rounds was associated with higher burnout risk. Women neurologists made proportionately more negative comments than men regarding workload, work-life balance, leadership and deterioration of professionalism, and demands of productivity eroding the academic mission.CONCLUSIONS: We identified differences in burnout, career satisfaction, and well-being in neurologists by age and sex. This may aid in developing strategies to prevent and mitigate burnout and promote professional fulfillment for different demographic subgroups of neurologists.

    View details for DOI 10.1212/WNL.0000000000006497

    View details for PubMedID 30305448

  • A simple score based on geriatric assessment predicts survival in elderly newly diagnosed chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients. Leukemia & lymphoma Molica, S., Giannarelli, D., Levato, L., Mirabelli, R., Levato, D., Lentini, M., Piro, E. 2018: 1–3

    View details for DOI 10.1080/10428194.2018.1508674

    View details for PubMedID 30277125

  • Chronic lymphocytic leukemia international prognostic index (CLL-IPI) in patients receiving chemoimmuno or targeted therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis ANNALS OF HEMATOLOGY Molica, S., Giannarelli, D., Mirabelli, R., Levato, L., Shanafelt, T. D. 2018; 97 (10): 2005–8

    View details for PubMedID 29740683

  • Emotional Intelligence as a Possible Safeguard to Surgeon Wellness Lee, E. W., Hasty, B. N., Lau, J. N., Merrell, S., Hawn, M. T., Shanafelt, T., Salles, A., Lin, D. T. ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC. 2018: S145
  • Surgeon Emotional Intelligence Is Strongly Correlated with Patient Satisfaction Lee, E. W., Hasty, B. N., Lau, J. N., Merrell, S., Hawn, M. T., Shanafelt, T., Salles, A., Lin, D. T. ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC. 2018: S164–S165
  • Association of Clinical Specialty With Symptoms of Burnout and Career Choice Regret Among US Resident Physicians. JAMA Dyrbye, L. N., Burke, S. E., Hardeman, R. R., Herrin, J., Wittlin, N. M., Yeazel, M., Dovidio, J. F., Cunningham, B., White, R. O., Phelan, S. M., Satele, D. V., Shanafelt, T. D., van Ryn, M. 2018; 320 (11): 1114-1130

    Abstract

    Burnout among physicians is common and has been associated with medical errors and lapses in professionalism. It is unknown whether rates for symptoms of burnout among resident physicians vary by clinical specialty and if individual factors measured during medical school relate to the risk of burnout and career choice regret during residency.To explore factors associated with symptoms of burnout and career choice regret during residency.Prospective cohort study of 4732 US resident physicians. First-year medical students were enrolled between October 2010 and January 2011 and completed the baseline questionnaire. Participants were invited to respond to 2 questionnaires; one during year 4 of medical school (January-March 2014) and the other during the second year of residency (spring of 2016). The last follow-up was on July 31, 2016.Clinical specialty, demographic characteristics, educational debt, US Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 score, and reported levels of anxiety, empathy, and social support during medical school.Prevalence during second year of residency of reported symptoms of burnout measured by 2 single-item measures (adapted from the Maslach Burnout Inventory) and an additional item that evaluated career choice regret (defined as whether, if able to revisit career choice, the resident would choose to become a physician again).Among 4696 resident physicians, 3588 (76.4%) completed the questionnaire during the second year of residency (median age, 29 [interquartile range, 28.0-31.0] years in 2016; 1822 [50.9%] were women). Symptoms of burnout were reported by 1615 of 3574 resident physicians (45.2%; 95% CI, 43.6% to 46.8%). Career choice regret was reported by 502 of 3571 resident physicians (14.1%; 95% CI, 12.9% to 15.2%). In a multivariable analysis, training in urology, neurology, emergency medicine, and general surgery were associated with higher relative risks (RRs) of reported symptoms of burnout (range of RRs, 1.24 to 1.48) relative to training in internal medicine. Characteristics associated with higher risk of reported symptoms of burnout included female sex (RR, 1.17 [95% CI, 1.07 to 1.28]; risk difference [RD], 7.2% [95% CI, 3.1% to 11.3%]) and higher reported levels of anxiety during medical school (RR, 1.08 per 1-point increase [95% CI, 1.06 to 1.11]; RD, 1.8% per 1-point increase [95% CI, 1.6% to 2.0%]). A higher reported level of empathy during medical school was associated with a lower risk of reported symptoms of burnout during residency (RR, 0.99 per 1-point increase [95% CI, 0.99 to 0.99]; RD, -0.5% per 1-point increase [95% CI, -0.6% to -0.3%]). Reported symptoms of burnout (RR, 3.20 [95% CI, 2.58 to 3.82]; RD, 15.0% [95% CI, 12.8% to 17.3%]) and clinical specialty (range of RRs, 1.66 to 2.60) were both significantly associated with career choice regret.Among US resident physicians, symptoms of burnout and career choice regret were prevalent, but varied substantially by clinical specialty. Further research is needed to better understand these differences and to address these issues.

    View details for DOI 10.1001/jama.2018.12615

    View details for PubMedID 30422299

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC6233627

  • Association of Clinical Specialty With Symptoms of Burnout and Career Choice Regret Among US Resident Physicians JAMA-JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION Dyrbye, L. N., Burke, S. E., Hardeman, R. R., Herrin, J., Wittlin, N. M., Yeazel, M., Dovidio, J. F., Cunningham, B., White, R. O., Phelan, S. M., Satele, D. V., Shanafelt, T. D., van Ryn, M. 2018; 320 (11): 1114–30
  • A Prognostic Index to Identify the Risk of Developing Depression Symptoms Among U.S. Medical Students Derived From A National, Four-Year Longitudinal Study. Academic medicine : journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges Dyrbye, L. N., Wittlin, N. M., Hardeman, R. R., Yeazel, M., Herrin, J., Dovidio, J. F., Burke, S. E., Cunningham, B., Phelan, S. M., Shanafelt, T. D., van Ryn, M. 2018

    Abstract

    PURPOSE: To determine baseline individual and school-related factors associated with increased risk of developing depression symptoms by year four (Y4) of medical school, and to develop a prognostic index that stratifies risk of developing depression symptoms (Depression-PI) among medical students.METHOD: The authors analyzed data from 3,743 students (79% of 4,732) attending 49 U.S. medical schools who completed baseline (2010) and Y4 (2014) surveys. Surveys included validated scales measuring depression, stress, coping, and social support. The authors collected demographics and school characteristics and conducted multivariate analysis to identify baseline factors independently associated with Y4 depression symptoms. They used these factors to create a prognostic index for developing depression. They randomly divided the data into discovery (n = 2,455) and replication (n = 1,288) datasets and calculated c-statistics (c).RESULTS: The authors identified eight independent prognostic factors for experiencing depression symptoms during training within the discovery dataset: age, race, ethnicity, tuition, plus baseline depression symptoms, stress, coping behaviors, and social support. The Depression-PI stratified four risk groups. Compared to the low risk group, those in the intermediate, high, and very high risk group had an odds ratio of developing depression of, respectively, 1.75, 3.98, and 9.19 (c = 0.71). The replication dataset confirmed the risk groups.CONCLUSIONS: Demographics, tuition, depression symptoms, stress, coping behaviors, and social support at baseline are independently associated with the risk of developing depression during training among U.S. medical students. By stratifying students into four risk groups, the Depression-PI may allow for a tiered primary prevention approach.

    View details for PubMedID 30188367

  • Immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region gene and prediction of time to first treatment in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia: Mutational load or mutational status? Analysis of 1003 cases AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY Morabito, F., Shanafelt, T. D., Gentile, M., Reda, G., Mauro, F., Rossi, D., Di Renzo, N., Molica, S., Angrilli, F., Chiarenza, A., Cutrona, G., Chaffee, K. G., Parikh, S. A., Tripepi, G., D'Arrigo, G., Vigna, E., Recchia, A., Cortelezzi, A., Gaidano, G., Di Raimondo, F., Fais, F., Foa, R., Neri, A., Ferrarini, M. 2018; 93 (9): E216–E219

    View details for PubMedID 29984867

  • Efficacy of the Well-Being Index to Identify Distress and Well-Being in U.S. Nurses. Nursing research Dyrbye, L. N., Johnson, P. O., Johnson, L. M., Satele, D., Shanafelt, T. 2018

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: Studies suggest there is a high prevalence of burnout and depression among U.S. nurses.OBJECTIVES: To gauge the capability of the Well-Being Index (WBI) to stratify nurse distress (e.g., low quality of life [QOL], extreme fatigue, burnout, recent suicidal ideation) and well-being (high quality of life), and detect those whose level of distress may negatively affect retention or work performance METHODS: In 2016, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of 3,147 U.S. nurses. The survey included the WBI and standard instruments to assess overall QOL, fatigue, burnout, recent suicidal ideation, patient-care errors, and intent to leave current job. We used Fisher exact test and Wilcoxon/2-sample t-test procedures with a 5% type I error rate and a two-sided alternative.RESULTS: Of the 812 (26%) nurses who completed the survey, 637 were eligible for the present analysis. Nurses with low mental QOL, extreme fatigue, recent suicidal ideation, or burnout had a higher total score (all P < .001) resulting in less favorable WBI scores. With a 17% pretest probability of low overall QOL, the WBI score can decrease the posttest probability of low QOL to 2% or increase it to 72%. The likelihood of high overall QOL decreased in a stepwise fashion from 3.38 to 0.04 as the WBI score increased. WBI score also stratified nurses' likelihood of reporting a recent patient-care error and/or intent to leave current job.The WBI is a useful screening tool to stratify both distress and well-being across a variety of domains in nurses and identify those nurses whose severity of distress may negatively affect patient care and retention.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/NNR.0000000000000313

    View details for PubMedID 30138124

  • Building a Program on Well-Being: Key Design Considerations to Meet the Unique Needs of Each Organization. Academic medicine : journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges Shanafelt, T., Trockel, M., Ripp, J., Murphy, M. L., Sandborg, C., Bohman, B. 2018

    Abstract

    The current health care practice environment has resulted in a crescendo of burnout among physicians, nurses, and advanced practice providers. Burnout among health care professionals is primarily caused by organizational factors rather than problems with personal resilience. Four major drivers motivate health care leaders to build well-being programs: the moral-ethical case (caring for their people), the business case (cost of turnover and lower quality), the tragic case (a physician suicide), and the regulatory case (accreditation requirements). Ultimately, health care provider burnout harms patients. The authors discuss the purpose; scope; structure and resources; metrics of success; and a framework for action for organizational well-being programs. The purpose such a program is to oversee organizational efforts to reduce the occupational risk for burnout, cultivate professional well-being among health care professionals and, in turn, optimize the function of health care systems. The program should measure, benchmark, and longitudinally assess these domains. The successful program will develop deep expertise regarding the drivers of professional fulfillment among health care professionals; an approach to evaluate system flaws and relevant dimensions of organizational culture; and knowledge and experience with specific tactics to foster improvement. Different professional disciplines have both shared challenges and unique needs. Effective programs acknowledge and address these differences rather than ignore them. Ultimately, a professional workforce with low burnout and high professional fulfillment is vital to providing the best care to patients. Vanguard institutions have embraced this understanding and are pursuing health care provider well-being as a core organizational strategy.

    View details for PubMedID 30134268

  • Validation of a biological score to predict response in chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients treated front-line with bendamustine and rituximab LEUKEMIA Gentile, M., Shanafelt, T. D., Reda, G., Mauro, F., Zirlik, K., Ciolli, S., Laurenti, L., Del Principe, M., Rossi, D., Di Renzo, N., Molica, S., Angrilli, F., Coscia, M., Chiarenza, A., Giordano, A., Cutrona, G., Chaffee, K. G., Parikh, S. A., Uccello, G., Innocenti, I., Tripepi, G., D'Arrigo, G., Vigna, E., Recchia, A., Herishanu, Y., Shvidel, L., Tadmor, T., Cortelezzi, A., Del Poeta, G., Gaidano, G., Di Raimondo, F., Neri, A., Ferrarini, M., Foa, R., Polliack, A., Morabito, F. 2018; 32 (8): 1869–73

    View details for PubMedID 29588545

  • Physician Burnout, Well-being, and Work Unit Safety Grades in Relationship to Reported Medical Errors. Mayo Clinic proceedings Tawfik, D. S., Profit, J., Morgenthaler, T. I., Satele, D. V., Sinsky, C. A., Dyrbye, L. N., Tutty, M. A., West, C. P., Shanafelt, T. D. 2018

    Abstract

    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate physician burnout, well-being, and work unit safety grades in relationship to perceived major medical errors.PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: From August 28, 2014, to October 6, 2014, we conducted a population-based survey of US physicians in active practice regarding burnout, fatigue, suicidal ideation, work unit safety grade, and recent medical errors. Multivariate logistic regression and mixed-effects hierarchical models evaluated the associations among burnout, well-being measures, work unit safety grades, and medical errors.RESULTS: Of 6695 responding physicians in active practice, 6586 provided information on the areas of interest: 3574 (54.3%) reported symptoms of burnout, 2163 (32.8%) reported excessive fatigue, and 427 (6.5%) reported recent suicidal ideation, with 255 of 6563 (3.9%) reporting a poor or failing patient safety grade in their primary work area and 691 of 6586 (10.5%) reporting a major medical error in the prior 3 months. Physicians reporting errors were more likely to have symptoms of burnout (77.6% vs 51.5%; P<.001), fatigue (46.6% vs 31.2%; P<.001), and recent suicidal ideation (12.7% vs 5.8%; P<.001). In multivariate modeling, perceived errors were independently more likely to be reported by physicians with burnout (odds ratio [OR], 2.22; 95% CI, 1.79-2.76) or fatigue (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.15-1.65) and those with incrementally worse work unit safety grades (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.36-2.12; OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.48-2.49; OR, 3.12; 95% CI, 2.13-4.58; and OR, 4.37; 95% CI, 2.06-9.28 for grades of B, C, D, and F, respectively), adjusted for demographic and clinical characteristics.CONCLUSION: In this large national study, physician burnout, fatigue, and work unit safety grades were independently associated with major medical errors. Interventions to reduce rates of medical errors must address both physician well-being and work unit safety.

    View details for PubMedID 30001832

  • The prevalence of non-chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) phenotype monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL) in a population-based cohort of US adults Parikh, S. A., Achenbach, S. J., Chaffee, K. G., Kay, N. E., Lesnick, C. E., Cerhan, J. R., Hanson, C. A., Shanafelt, T. D., Slager, S. L. AMER ASSOC CANCER RESEARCH. 2018
  • Association of polygenic risk score with the risk of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis BLOOD Kleinstern, G., Camp, N. J., Goldin, L. R., Vachon, C. M., Vajdic, C. M., de Sanjose, S., Weinberg, J., Benavente, Y., Casabonne, D., Liebow, M., Nieters, A., Hjalgrim, H., Melbye, M., Glimelius, B., Adami, H., Boffetta, P., Brennan, P., Maynadie, M., McKay, J., Cocco, P., Shanafelt, T. D., Call, T. G., Norman, A. D., Hanson, C., Robinson, D., Chaffee, K. G., Brooks-Wilson, A. R., Monnereau, A., Clavel, J., Glenn, M., Curtin, K., Conde, L., Bracci, P. M., Morton, L. M., Cozen, W., Severson, R. K., Chanock, S. J., Spinelli, J. J., Johnston, J. B., Rothman, N., Skibola, C. F., Leis, J. F., Kay, N. E., Smedby, K. E., Berndt, S. I., Cerhan, J. R., Caporaso, N., Slager, S. L. 2018; 131 (23): 2541–51

    Abstract

    Inherited loci have been found to be associated with risk of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). A combined polygenic risk score (PRS) of representative single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from these loci may improve risk prediction over individual SNPs. Herein, we evaluated the association of a PRS with CLL risk and its precursor, monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL). We assessed its validity and discriminative ability in an independent sample and evaluated effect modification and confounding by family history (FH) of hematological cancers. For discovery, we pooled genotype data on 41 representative SNPs from 1499 CLL and 2459 controls from the InterLymph Consortium. For validation, we used data from 1267 controls from Mayo Clinic and 201 CLL, 95 MBL, and 144 controls with a FH of CLL from the Genetic Epidemiology of CLL Consortium. We used odds ratios (ORs) to estimate disease associations with PRS and c-statistics to assess discriminatory accuracy. In InterLymph, the continuous PRS was strongly associated with CLL risk (OR, 2.49; P = 4.4 × 10-94). We replicated these findings in the Genetic Epidemiology of CLL Consortium and Mayo controls (OR, 3.02; P = 7.8 × 10-30) and observed high discrimination (c-statistic = 0.78). When jointly modeled with FH, PRS retained its significance, along with FH status. Finally, we found a highly significant association of the continuous PRS with MBL risk (OR, 2.81; P = 9.8 × 10-16). In conclusion, our validated PRS was strongly associated with CLL risk, adding information beyond FH. The PRS provides a means of identifying those individuals at greater risk for CLL as well as those at increased risk of MBL, a condition that has potential clinical impact beyond CLL.

    View details for PubMedID 29674426

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC5992865

  • Outcomes of a large cohort of individuals with clinically ascertained high-count monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis HAEMATOLOGICA Parikh, S. A., Chaffee, K. G., Larson, M. C., Hampel, P. J., Call, T. G., Ding, W., Kenderian, S. S., Leis, J. F., Chanan-Khan, A. A., Conte, M. J., Bowen, D., Schwager, S. M., Slager, S. L., Hanson, C. A., Kay, N. E., Shanafelt, T. D. 2018; 103 (6): E237–E240

    View details for PubMedID 29419435

  • Rapid progression of disease following ibrutinib discontinuation in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Hampel, P., Chaffee, K. G., Ding, W., Call, T., Kenderian, S., Muchtar, E., Leis, J., Chanan-Khan, A., Bowen, D., Fonder, A. L., Schwager, S. M., Slager, S. L., Shanafelt, T. D., Kay, N. E., Parikh, S. AMER SOC CLINICAL ONCOLOGY. 2018
  • Author response: Qualitative study of burnout, career satisfaction, and well-being among US neurologists in 2016 NEUROLOGY Miyasaki, J. M., Rheaume, C., Gulya, L., Ellenstein, A., Schwarz, H., Vidic, T., Shanafelt, T., Cascino, T., Keran, C., Busis, N. 2018; 90 (19): 903

    View details for DOI 10.1212/WNL.0000000000005487

    View details for Web of Science ID 000439155700024

    View details for PubMedID 29735774

  • Reimagining Clinical Documentation With Artificial Intelligence MAYO CLINIC PROCEEDINGS Lin, S. Y., Shanafelt, T. D., Asch, S. M. 2018; 93 (5): 563–65
  • Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia LANCET Hallek, M., Shanafelt, T. D., Eichhorst, B. 2018; 391 (10129): 1524–37

    Abstract

    Important advances in understanding the pathogenesis of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in the past two decades have led to the development of new prognostic tools and novel targeted therapies that have improved clinical outcome. Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia is the most common type of leukaemia in developed countries, and the median age at diagnosis is 72 years. The criteria for initiating treatment rely on the Rai and Binet staging systems and on the presence of disease-related symptoms. For many patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, treatment with chemotherapy and anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies is the standard of care. The impressive efficacy of kinase inhibitors ibrutinib and idelalisib and the BCL-2 antagonist venetoclax have changed the standard of care in specific subsets of patients. In this Seminar, we review the recent progress in the management of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and highlight new questions surrounding the optimal disease management.

    View details for PubMedID 29477250

  • Physician Burnout-Overdiagnosis and Unproven Interventions Reply JAMA INTERNAL MEDICINE Shanafelt, T., Goh, J., Sinsky, C. 2018; 178 (4): 577–78

    View details for PubMedID 29610889

  • Addressing Uncertainty in Burnout Assessment ACADEMIC MEDICINE Palamara, K., Linzer, M., Shanafelt, T. D. 2018; 93 (4): 518
  • Chronic lymphocytic leukemia international prognostic index: a systematic review and meta-analysis BLOOD Molica, S., Giannarelli, D., Mirabelli, R., Levato, L., Kay, N. E., Shanafelt, T. D. 2018; 131 (3): 365–68

    View details for PubMedID 29084773

  • Cumulative experience and long term follow-up of pentostatin-based chemoimmunotherapy trials for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia EXPERT REVIEW OF HEMATOLOGY Kay, N. E., LaPlant, B. R., Pettinger, A. M., Call, T. G., Leis, J. F., Ding, W., Parikh, S. A., Conte, M. J., Bowen, D. A., Shanafelt, T. D. 2018; 11 (4): 337–49

    Abstract

    7 regimens of pentostatin based chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) for progressive previously untreated CLL primarily with long term follow-up to update both efficacy and toxicity.Prognostic markers including assessment of IGVH and FISH status were done on all. Response rates and 95% binomial confidence intervals were calculated for each regimen and in the combined cohort. Overall survival and treatment-free survival were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier methods.The initial CIT trial was pentostatin (2 mgs/m2), cyclophosphamide (600 mg/m2) and rituximab (PCR) but subsequent P based CIT trials with modifications in subsequent trials. The cohort (n = 288) included 52% with unmutated IGVH status and del17p (4.5%) and del11q (14.9%). Toxicity profiles were primarily hematologic and no patient has developed MDS or AML after a median follow-up of 6.4 years. The overall response rate across all trials was found to be over 90% with a 41% complete response rate. We validated that the CLL IPI model segregates progressive CLL patients into 4 risk groups associated with OS and TFS.The high overall and complete response levels in favorable genetic risk CLL along with favorable toxicity profiles provide rationale for consideration of a PC based strategy for previously untreated progressive CLL.

    View details for PubMedID 29460654

  • Work-life balance behaviours cluster in work settings and relate to burnout and safety culture: a cross-sectional survey analysis. BMJ quality & safety Schwartz, S. P., Adair, K. C., Bae, J. n., Rehder, K. J., Shanafelt, T. D., Profit, J. n., Sexton, J. B. 2018

    Abstract

    Healthcare is approaching a tipping point as burnout and dissatisfaction with work-life integration (WLI) in healthcare workers continue to increase. A scale evaluating common behaviours as actionable examples of WLI was introduced to measure work-life balance.(1) Explore differences in WLI behaviours by role, specialty and other respondent demographics in a large healthcare system. (2) Evaluate the psychometric properties of the work-life climate scale, and the extent to which it acts like a climate, or group-level norm when used at the work setting level. (3) Explore associations between work-life climate and other healthcare climates including teamwork, safety and burnout.Cross-sectional survey study completed in 2016 of US healthcare workers within a large academic healthcare system.10 627 of 13 040 eligible healthcare workers across 440 work settings within seven entities of a large healthcare system (81% response rate) completed the routine safety culture survey. The overall work-life climate scale internal consistency was α=0.830. WLI varied significantly among healthcare worker role, length of time in specialty and work setting. Random effects analyses of variance for the work-life climate scale revealed significant between-work setting and within-work setting variance and intraclass correlations reflected clustering at the work setting level. T-tests of top versus bottom WLI quartile work settings revealed that positive work-life climate was associated with better teamwork and safety climates, as well as lower personal burnout and burnout climate (p<0.001).Problems with WLI are common in healthcare workers and differ significantly based on position and time in specialty. Although typically thought of as an individual difference variable, WLI appears to operate as a climate, and is consistently associated with better safety culture norms.

    View details for PubMedID 30309912

  • Reimagining Clinical Documentation With Artificial Intelligence. Mayo Clinic proceedings Lin, S. Y., Shanafelt, T. D., Asch, S. M. 2018

    View details for PubMedID 29631808

  • The Business Case for Investing in PhysicianWell-being JAMA INTERNAL MEDICINE Shanafelt, T., Goh, J., Sinsky, C. 2017; 177 (12): 1826-1832
  • An Organization Model to Assist Individual Physicians, Scientists, and Senior Health Care Administrators With Personal and Professional Needs MAYO CLINIC PROCEEDINGS Shanafelt, T. D., Lightner, D. J., Conley, C. R., Petrou, S. P., Richardson, J. W., Schroeder, P. J., Brown, W. A. 2017; 92 (11): 1688–96

    Abstract

    Working as a physician, scientist, or senior health care administrator is a demanding career. Studies have demonstrated that burnout and other forms of distress are common among individuals in these professions, with potentially substantive personal and professional consequences. In addition to system-level interventions to promote well-being globally, health care organizations must provide robust support systems to assist individuals in distress. Here, we describe the 15-year experience of the Mayo Clinic Office of Staff Services (OSS) providing peer support to physicians, scientists, and senior administrators at one center. Resources for financial planning (retirement, tax services, college savings for children) and peer support to assist those experiencing distress are intentionally combined in the OSS to normalize the use of the Office and reduce the stigma associated with accessing peer support. The Office is heavily used, with approximately 75% of physicians, scientists, and senior administrators accessing the financial counseling and 5% to 7% accessing the peer support resources annually. Several critical structural characteristics of the OSS are specifically designed to minimize potential stigma and reduce barriers to seeking help. These aspects are described here with the hope that they may be informative to other medical practices considering how to create low-barrier access to help individuals deal with personal and professional challenges. We also detail the results of a recent pilot study designed to extend the activity of the OSS beyond the reactive provision of peer support to those seeking help by including regular, proactive check-ups for staff covering a range of topics intended to promote personal and professional well-being.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.mayocp.2017.08.020

    View details for Web of Science ID 000414202000014

    View details for PubMedID 29101937

  • Medical Licensure Questions and Physician Reluctance to Seek Care for Mental Health Conditions MAYO CLINIC PROCEEDINGS Dyrbye, L. N., West, C. P., Sinsky, C. A., Goeders, L. E., Satele, D. V., Shanafelt, T. D. 2017; 92 (10): 1486-1493

    Abstract

    To determine whether state medical licensure application questions (MLAQs) about mental health are related to physicians' reluctance to seek help for a mental health condition because of concerns about repercussions to their medical licensure.In 2016, we collected initial and renewal medical licensure application forms from 50 states and the District of Columbia. We coded MLAQs related to physicians' mental health as "consistent" if they inquired only about current impairment from a mental health condition or did not ask about mental health conditions. We obtained data on care-seeking attitudes for a mental health problem from a nationally representative convenience sample of 5829 physicians who completed a survey between August 28, 2014, and October 6, 2014. Analyses explored relationships between state of employment, MLAQs, and physicians' reluctance to seek formal medical care for treatment of a mental health condition because of concerns about repercussions to their medical licensure.We obtained initial licensure applications from 51 of 51 (100%) and renewal applications from 48 of 51 (94.1%) medical licensing boards. Only one-third of states currently have MLAQs about mental health on their initial and renewal application forms that are considered consistent. Nearly 40% of physicians (2325 of 5829) reported that they would be reluctant to seek formal medical care for treatment of a mental health condition because of concerns about repercussions to their medical licensure. Physicians working in a state in which neither the initial nor the renewal application was consistent were more likely to be reluctant to seek help (odds ratio, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.07-1.37; P=.002 vs both applications consistent).Our findings support that MLAQs regarding mental health conditions present a barrier to physicians seeking help.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.mayocp.2017.06.020

    View details for Web of Science ID 000411959800008

    View details for PubMedID 28982484

  • The Business Case for Investing in Physician Well-being. JAMA internal medicine Shanafelt, T., Goh, J., Sinsky, C. 2017

    Abstract

    Importance: Widespread burnout among physicians has been recognized for more than 2 decades. Extensive evidence indicates that physician burnout has important personal and professional consequences.Observations: A lack of awareness regarding the economic costs of physician burnout and uncertainty regarding what organizations can do to address the problem have been barriers to many organizations taking action. Although there is a strong moral and ethical case for organizations to address physician burnout, financial principles (eg, return on investment) can also be applied to determine the economic cost of burnout and guide appropriate investment to address the problem. The business case to address physician burnout is multifaceted and includes costs associated with turnover, lost revenue associated with decreased productivity, as well as financial risk and threats to the organization's long-term viability due to the relationship between burnout and lower quality of care, decreased patient satisfaction, and problems with patient safety. Nearly all US health care organizations have used similar evidence to justify their investments in safety and quality. Herein, we provide conservative formulas based on readily available organizational characteristics to determine the financial return on organizational investments to reduce physician burnout. A model outlining the steps of the typical organization's journey to address this issue is presented. Critical ingredients to making progress include prioritization by leadership, physician involvement, organizational science/learning, metrics, structured interventions, open communication, and promoting culture change at the work unit, leader, and organization level.Conclusions and Relevance: Understanding the business case to reduce burnout and promote engagement as well as overcoming the misperception that nothing meaningful can be done are key steps for organizations to begin to take action. Evidence suggests that improvement is possible, investment is justified, and return on investment measurable. Addressing this issue is not only the organization's ethical responsibility, it is also the fiscally responsible one.

    View details for PubMedID 28973070

  • Development of a Research Agenda to Identify Evidence-Based Strategies to Improve Physician Wellness and Reduce Burnout ANNALS OF INTERNAL MEDICINE Dyrbye, L. N., Trockel, M., Frank, E., Olson, K., Linzer, M., Lemaire, J., Swensen, S., Shanafelt, T., Sinsky, C. A. 2017; 166 (10): 743-+

    View details for PubMedID 28418518

  • A Brief Instrument to Assess Both Burnout and Professional Fulfillment in Physicians: Reliability and Validity, Including Correlation with Self-Reported Medical Errors, in a Sample of Resident and Practicing Physicians. Academic psychiatry : the journal of the American Association of Directors of Psychiatric Residency Training and the Association for Academic Psychiatry Trockel, M. n., Bohman, B. n., Lesure, E. n., Hamidi, M. S., Welle, D. n., Roberts, L. n., Shanafelt, T. n. 2017

    Abstract

    The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of the Professional Fulfillment Index (PFI), a 16-item instrument to assess physicians' professional fulfillment and burnout, designed for sensitivity to change attributable to interventions or other factors affecting physician well-being.A sample of 250 physicians completed the PFI, a measure of self-reported medical errors, and previously validated measures including the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), a one-item burnout measure, the World Health Organization's abbreviated quality of life assessment (WHOQOL-BREF), and PROMIS short-form depression, anxiety, and sleep-related impairment scales. Between 2 and 3 weeks later, 227 (91%) repeated the PFI and the sleep-related impairment scale.Principal components analysis justified PFI subscales for professional fulfillment, work exhaustion, and interpersonal disengagement. Test-retest reliability estimates were 0.82 for professional fulfillment (α = 0.91), 0.80 for work exhaustion (α = 0.86), 0.71 for interpersonal disengagement (α = 0.92), and 0.80 for overall burnout (α = 0.92). PFI burnout measures correlated highly (r ≥ 0.50) with their closest related MBI equivalents. Cohen's d effect size differences in self-reported medical errors for high versus low burnout classified using the PFI and the MBI were 0.55 and 0.44, respectively. PFI scales correlated in expected directions with sleep-related impairment, depression, anxiety, and WHOQOL-BREF scores. PFI scales demonstrated sufficient sensitivity to detect expected effects of a two-point (range 8-40) change in sleep-related impairment.PFI scales have good performance characteristics including sensitivity to change and offer a novel contribution by assessing professional fulfillment in addition to burnout.

    View details for PubMedID 29196982

  • Characterization of atrial fibrillation adverse events reported in ibrutinib randomized controlled registration trials. Haematologica Brown, J. R., Moslehi, J. n., O'Brien, S. n., Ghia, P. n., Hillmen, P. n., Cymbalista, F. n., Shanafelt, T. D., Fraser, G. n., Rule, S. n., Kipps, T. J., Coutre, S. n., Dilhuydy, M. S., Cramer, P. n., Tedeschi, A. n., Jaeger, U. n., Dreyling, M. n., Byrd, J. C., Howes, A. n., Todd, M. n., Vermeulen, J. n., James, D. F., Clow, F. n., Styles, L. n., Valentino, R. n., Wildgust, M. n., Mahler, M. n., Burger, J. A. 2017; 102 (10): 1796–1805

    Abstract

    The first-in-class Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor ibrutinib has proven clinical benefit in B-cell malignancies; however, atrial fibrillation (AF) has been reported in 6-16% of ibrutinib patients. We pooled data from 1505 chronic lymphocytic leukemia and mantle cell lymphoma patients enrolled in four large, randomized, controlled studies to characterize AF with ibrutinib and its management. AF incidence was 6.5% [95% Confidence Interval (CI): 4.8, 8.5] for ibrutinib at 16.6-months versus 1.6% (95%CI: 0.8, 2.8) for comparator and 10.4% (95%CI: 8.4, 12.9) at the 36-month follow up; estimated cumulative incidence: 13.8% (95%CI: 11.2, 16.8). Ibrutinib treatment, prior history of AF and age 65 years or over were independent risk factors for AF. Multiple AF events were more common with ibrutinib (44.9%; comparator, 16.7%) among patients with AF. Most (85.7%) patients with AF did not discontinue ibrutinib, and more than half received common anticoagulant/antiplatelet medications on study. Low-grade bleeds were more frequent with ibrutinib, but serious bleeds were uncommon (ibrutinib, 2.9%; comparator, 2.0%). Although the AF rate among older non-trial patients with comorbidities is likely underestimated by this dataset, these results suggest that AF among clinical trial patients is generally manageable without ibrutinib discontinuation (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: 01578707, 01722487, 01611090, 01646021).

    View details for PubMedID 28751558

  • Meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies discovers multiple loci for chronic lymphocytic leukemia NATURE COMMUNICATIONS Berndt, S. I., Camp, N. J., Skibola, C. F., Vijai, J., Wang, Z., Gu, J., Nieters, A., Kelly, R. S., Smedby, K. E., Monnereau, A., Cozen, W., Cox, A., Wang, S. S., Lan, Q., Teras, L. R., Machado, M., Yeager, M., Brooks-Wilson, A. R., Hartge, P., Purdue, M. P., Birmann, B. M., Vajdic, C. M., Cocco, P., Zhang, Y., Giles, G. G., Zeleniuch-Jacquotte, A., Lawrence, C., Montalvan, R., Burdett, L., Hutchinson, A., Ye, Y., Call, T. G., Shanafelt, T. D., Novak, A. J., Kay, N. E., Liebow, M., Cunningham, J. M., Allmer, C., Hjalgrim, H., Adami, H., Melbye, M., Glimelius, B., Chang, E. T., Glenn, M., Curtin, K., Cannon-Albright, L. A., Diver, W. R., Link, B. K., Weiner, G. J., Conde, L., Bracci, P. M., Riby, J., Arnett, D. K., Zhi, D., Leach, J. M., Holly, E. A., Jackson, R. D., Tinker, L. F., Benavente, Y., Sala, N., Casabonne, D., Becker, N., Boffetta, P., Brennan, P., Foretova, L., Maynadie, M., McKay, J., Staines, A., Chaffee, K. G., Achenbach, S. J., Vachon, C. M., Goldin, L. R., Strom, S. S., Leis, J. F., Weinberg, J. B., Caporaso, N. E., Norman, A. D., De Roos, A. J., Morton, L. M., Severson, R. K., Riboli, E., Vineis, P., Kaaks, R., Masala, G., Weiderpass, E., Chirlaque, M., Vermeulen, R. C., Travis, R. C., Southey, M. C., Milne, R. L., Albanese, D., Virtamo, J., Weinstein, S., Clavel, J., Zheng, T., Holford, T. R., Villano, D. J., Maria, A., Spinelli, J. J., Gascoyne, R. D., Connors, J. M., Bertrand, K. A., Giovannucci, E., Kraft, P., Kricker, A., Turner, J., Ennas, M. G., Ferri, G. M., Miligi, L., Liang, L., Ma, B., Huang, J., Crouch, S., Park, J., Chatterjee, N., North, K. E., Snowden, J. A., Wright, J., Fraumeni, J. F., Offit, K., Wu, X., de Sanjose, S., Cerhan, J. R., Chanock, S. J., Rothman, N., Slager, S. L. 2016; 7

    Abstract

    Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a common lymphoid malignancy with strong heritability. To further understand the genetic susceptibility for CLL and identify common loci associated with risk, we conducted a meta-analysis of four genome-wide association studies (GWAS) composed of 3,100 cases and 7,667 controls with follow-up replication in 1,958 cases and 5,530 controls. Here we report three new loci at 3p24.1 (rs9880772, EOMES, P=2.55 × 10(-11)), 6p25.2 (rs73718779, SERPINB6, P=1.97 × 10(-8)) and 3q28 (rs9815073, LPP, P=3.62 × 10(-8)), as well as a new independent SNP at the known 2q13 locus (rs9308731, BCL2L11, P=1.00 × 10(-11)) in the combined analysis. We find suggestive evidence (P<5 × 10(-7)) for two additional new loci at 4q24 (rs10028805, BANK1, P=7.19 × 10(-8)) and 3p22.2 (rs1274963, CSRNP1, P=2.12 × 10(-7)). Pathway analyses of new and known CLL loci consistently show a strong role for apoptosis, providing further evidence for the importance of this biological pathway in CLL susceptibility.

    View details for DOI 10.1038/ncomms10933

    View details for PubMedID 26956414

  • Analysis of Heritability and Shared Heritability Based on Genome-Wide Association Studies for 13 Cancer Types JNCI-JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE Sampson, J. N., Wheeler, W. A., Yeager, M., Panagiotou, O., Wang, Z., Berndt, S. I., Lan, Q., Abnet, C. C., Amundadottir, L. T., Figueroa, J. D., Landi, M. T., Mirabello, L., Savage, S. A., Taylor, P. R., De Vivo, I., McGlynn, K. A., Purdue, M. P., Rajaraman, P., Adami, H., Ahlbom, A., Albanes, D., Amary, M. F., An, S., Andersson, U., Andriole, G., Andrulis, I. L., Angelucci, E., Ansell, S. M., Arici, C., Armstrong, B. K., Arslan, A. A., Austin, M. A., Baris, D., Barkauskas, D. A., Bassig, B. A., Becker, N., Benavente, Y., Benhamou, S., Berg, C., Van Den Berg, D., Bernstein, L., Bertrand, K. A., Birmann, B. M., Black, A., Boeing, H., Boffetta, P., Boutron-Ruault, M., Bracci, P. M., Brinton, L., Brooks-Wilson, A. R., Bueno-de-Mesquita, H. B., Burdett, L., Buring, J., Butler, M. A., Cai, Q., Cancel-Tassin, G., Canzian, F., Carrato, A., Carreon, T., Carta, A., Chan, J. K., Chang, E. T., Chang, G., Chang, I., Chang, J., Chang-Claude, J., Chen, C., Chen, C., Chen, C., Chen, C., Chen, C., Chen, H., Chen, K., Chen, K., Chen, K., Chen, Y., Chen, Y., Chen, Y., Chen, Y., Chien, L., Chirlaque, M., Choi, J. E., Choi, Y. Y., Chow, W., Chung, C. C., Clavel, J., Clavel-Chapelon, F., Cocco, P., Colt, J. S., Comperat, E., Conde, L., Connors, J. M., Conti, D., Cortessis, V. K., Cotterchio, M., Cozen, W., Crouch, S., Crous-Bou, M., Cussenot, O., Davis, F. G., Ding, T., Diver, W. R., Dorronsoro, M., Dossus, L., Duell, E. J., Ennas, M. G., Erickson, R. L., Feychting, M., Flanagan, A. M., Foretova, L., Fraumeni, J. F., Freedman, N. D., Freeman, L. E., Fuchs, C., Gago-Dominguez, M., Gallinger, S., Gao, Y., Gapstur, S. M., Garcia-Closas, M., Garcia-Closas, R., Gascoyne, R. D., Gastier-Foster, J., Gaudet, M. M., Gaziano, J. M., Giffen, C., Giles, G. G., Giovannucci, E., Glimelius, B., Goggins, M., Gokgoz, N., Goldstein, A. M., Gorlick, R., Gross, M., Grubb, R., Gu, J., Guan, P., Gunter, M., Guo, H., Habermann, T. M., Haiman, C. A., Halai, D., Hallmans, G., Hassan, M., Hattinger, C., He, Q., He, X., Helzlsouer, K., Henderson, B., Henriksson, R., Hjalgrim, H., Hoffman-Bolton, J., Hohensee, C., Holford, T. R., Holly, E. A., Hong, Y., Hoover, R. N., Horn-Ross, P. L., Hosain, G. M., Hosgood, H. D., Hsiao, C., Hu, N., Hu, W., Hu, Z., Huang, M., Huerta, J., Hung, J., Hutchinson, A., Inskip, P. D., Jackson, R. D., Jacobs, E. J., Jenab, M., Jeon, H., Ji, B., Jin, G., Jin, L., Johansen, C., Johnson, A., Jung, Y. J., Kaaks, R., Kamineni, A., Kane, E., Kang, C. H., Karagas, M. R., Kelly, R. S., Khaw, K., Kim, C., Kim, H. N., Kim, J. H., Kim, J. S., Kim, Y. H., Kim, Y. T., Kim, Y., Kitahara, C. M., Klein, A. P., Klein, R. J., Kogevinas, M., Kohno, T., Kolonel, L. N., Kooperberg, C., Kricker, A., Krogh, V., Kunitoh, H., Kurtz, R. C., Kweon, S., LaCroix, A., Lawrence, C., Lecanda, F., Lee, V. H., Li, D., Li, H., Li, J., Li, Y., Li, Y., Liao, L. M., Liebow, M., Lightfoot, T., Lim, W., Lin, C., Lin, D., Lindstrom, S., Linet, M. S., Link, B. K., Liu, C., Liu, J., Liu, L., Ljungberg, B., Lloreta, J., di Lollo, S., Lu, D., Lund, E., Malats, N., Mannisto, S., Le Marchand, L., Marina, N., Masala, G., Mastrangelo, G., Matsuo, K., Maynadie, M., McKay, J., McKean-Cowdin, R., Melbye, M., Melin, B. S., Michaud, D. S., Mitsudomi, T., Monnereau, A., Montalvan, R., Moore, L. E., Mortensen, L. M., Nieters, A., North, K. E., Novak, A. J., Oberg, A. L., Offit, K., Oh, I., Olson, S. H., Palli, D., Pao, W., Park, I. K., Park, J. Y., Park, K. H., Patino-Garcia, A., Pavanello, S., Peeters, P. H., Perng, R., Peters, U., Petersen, G. M., Picci, P., Pike, M. C., Porru, S., Prescott, J., Prokunina-Olsson, L., Qian, B., Qiao, Y., Rais, M., Riboli, E., Riby, J., Risch, H. A., Rizzato, C., Rodabough, R., Roman, E., Roupret, M., Ruder, A. M., de Sanjose, S., Scelo, G., Schned, A., Schumacher, F., Schwartz, K., Schwenn, M., Scotlandi, K., Seow, A., Serra, C., Serra, M., Sesso, H. D., Setiawan, V. W., Severi, G., Severson, R. K., Shanafelt, T. D., Shen, H., Shen, W., Shin, M., Shiraishi, K., Shu, X., Siddiq, A., Sierrasesumaga, L., Sihoe, A. D., Skibola, C. F., Smith, A., Smith, M. T., Southey, M. C., Spinelli, J. J., Staines, A., Stampfer, M., Stern, M. C., Stevens, V. L., Stolzenberg-Solomon, R. S., Su, J., Su, W., Sund, M., Sung, J. S., Sung, S. W., Tan, W., Tang, W., Tardon, A., Thomas, D., Thompson, C. A., Tinker, L. F., Tirabosco, R., Tjonneland, A., Travis, R. C., Trichopoulos, D., Tsai, F., Tsai, Y., Tucker, M., Turner, J., Vajdic, C. M., Vermeulen, R. C., Villano, D. J., Vineis, P., Virtamo, J., Visvanathan, K., Wactawski-Wende, J., Wang, C., Wang, C., Wang, J., Wang, J., Wei, F., Weiderpass, E., Weiner, G. J., Weinstein, S., Wentzensen, N., White, E., Witzig, T. E., Wolpin, B. M., Wong, M. P., Wu, C., Wu, G., Wu, J., Wu, T., Wu, W., Wu, X., Wu, Y., Wunder, J. S., Xiang, Y., Xu, J., Xu, P., Yang, P., Yang, T., Ye, Y., Yin, Z., Yokota, J., Yoon, H., Yu, C., Yu, H., Yu, K., Yuan, J., Zelenetz, A., Zeleniuch-Jacquotte, A., Zhang, X., Zhang, Y., Zhao, X., Zhao, Z., Zheng, H., Zheng, T., Zheng, W., Zhou, B., Zhu, M., Zucca, M., Boca, S. M., Cerhan, J. R., Ferri, G. M., Hartge, P., Hsiung, C. A., Magnani, C., Miligi, L., Morton, L. M., Smedby, K. E., Teras, L. R., Vijai, J., Wang, S. S., Brennan, P., Caporaso, N. E., Hunter, D. J., Kraft, P., Rothman, N., Silverman, D. T., Slager, S. L., Chanock, S. J., Chatterjee, N. 2015; 107 (12)

    Abstract

    Studies of related individuals have consistently demonstrated notable familial aggregation of cancer. We aim to estimate the heritability and genetic correlation attributable to the additive effects of common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for cancer at 13 anatomical sites.Between 2007 and 2014, the US National Cancer Institute has generated data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for 49 492 cancer case patients and 34 131 control patients. We apply novel mixed model methodology (GCTA) to this GWAS data to estimate the heritability of individual cancers, as well as the proportion of heritability attributable to cigarette smoking in smoking-related cancers, and the genetic correlation between pairs of cancers.GWAS heritability was statistically significant at nearly all sites, with the estimates of array-based heritability, hl (2), on the liability threshold (LT) scale ranging from 0.05 to 0.38. Estimating the combined heritability of multiple smoking characteristics, we calculate that at least 24% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 14% to 37%) and 7% (95% CI = 4% to 11%) of the heritability for lung and bladder cancer, respectively, can be attributed to genetic determinants of smoking. Most pairs of cancers studied did not show evidence of strong genetic correlation. We found only four pairs of cancers with marginally statistically significant correlations, specifically kidney and testes (ρ = 0.73, SE = 0.28), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and pediatric osteosarcoma (ρ = 0.53, SE = 0.21), DLBCL and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) (ρ = 0.51, SE =0.18), and bladder and lung (ρ = 0.35, SE = 0.14). Correlation analysis also indicates that the genetic architecture of lung cancer differs between a smoking population of European ancestry and a nonsmoking Asian population, allowing for the possibility that the genetic etiology for the same disease can vary by population and environmental exposures.Our results provide important insights into the genetic architecture of cancers and suggest new avenues for investigation.

    View details for DOI 10.1093/jnci/djv279

    View details for Web of Science ID 000366970900015

    View details for PubMedID 26464424

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4806328

  • The Impact of Stigma and Personal Experiences on the Help-Seeking Behaviors of Medical Students With Burnout ACADEMIC MEDICINE Dyrbye, L. N., Eacker, A., Durning, S. J., Brazeau, C., Moutier, C., Massie, F. S., Satele, D., Sloan, J. A., Shanafelt, T. D. 2015; 90 (7): 961-969

    Abstract

    Because of the high prevalence of burnout among medical students and its association with professional and personal consequences, the authors evaluated the help-seeking behaviors of medical students with burnout and compared their stigma perceptions with those of the general U.S. population and age-matched individuals.The authors surveyed students at six medical schools in 2012. They measured burnout, symptoms of depression, and quality of life using validated instruments and explored help-seeking behaviors, perceived stigma, personal experiences, and attitudes toward seeking mental health treatment.Of 2,449 invited students, 873 (35.6%) responded. A third of respondents with burnout (154/454; 33.9%) sought help for an emotional/mental health problem in the last 12 months. Respondents with burnout were more likely than those without burnout to agree or strongly agree with 8 of 10 perceived stigma items. Respondents with burnout who sought help in the last 12 months were twice as likely to report having observed supervisors negatively judge students who sought care (odds ratio [OR] 2.06 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25-3.39], P < .01). They also were more likely to have observed peers reveal a student's emotional/mental health problem to others (OR 1.63 [95% CI 1.08-2.47], P = .02). A smaller percentage of respondents would definitely seek professional help for a serious emotional problem (235/872; 26.9%) than of the general population (44.3%) and age-matched individuals (38.8%).Only a third of medical students with burnout seek help. Perceived stigma, negative personal experiences, and the hidden curriculum may contribute.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/ACM.0000000000000655

    View details for Web of Science ID 000357094100011

    View details for PubMedID 25650824

  • Distress Among Matriculating Medical Students Relative to the General Population ACADEMIC MEDICINE Brazeau, C. M., Shanafelt, T., Durning, S. J., Massie, F. S., Eacker, A., Moutier, C., Satele, D. V., Sloan, J. A., Dyrbye, L. N. 2014; 89 (11): 1520-1525

    Abstract

    Many medical students experience distress during medical school. If matriculating medical students (MMSs) begin training with similar or better mental health than age-similar controls, this would support existing concerns about the negative impact of training on student well-being. The authors compared mental health indicators of MMSs versus those of a probability-based sample of the general U.S. population.In 2012 all MMSs at six U.S. medical schools were invited to participate in a survey during orientation. The research team surveyed a probability-based sample of U.S. individuals using the same questions in 2011. Individuals from the population sample who completed a four-year college degree and matched within the appropriate age strata (< 30, 31-35, 36-40, > 40) were compared with MMSs. Surveys included demographics and validated instruments to measure burnout; depression symptoms; and mental, emotional, physical, and overall of quality of life (QOL).Demographic characteristics of the 582/938 (62%) responding MMSs were similar to U.S. MMSs. Relative to 546 age-similar college graduates, MMSs had lower rates of burnout (27.3% versus 37.3%, P < .001) and depression symptoms (26.2% versus 42.4%, P < .0001) and higher scores across the four QOL domains assessed relative to controls (all P < .0001). These findings persisted on multivariate analysis after adjusting for age, sex, relationship status, and race/ethnicity.These findings, along with high rates of distress reported in medical students and residents, support concerns that the training process and environment contribute to the deterioration of mental health in developing physicians.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/ACM.0000000000000482

    View details for Web of Science ID 000343897500028

    View details for PubMedID 25250752

  • Genome-wide association study identifies multiple risk loci for chronic lymphocytic leukemia NATURE GENETICS Berndt, S. I., Skibola, C. F., Joseph, V., Camp, N. J., Nieters, A., Wang, Z., Cozen, W., Monnereau, A., Wang, S. S., Kelly, R. S., Lan, Q., Teras, L. R., Chatterjee, N., Chung, C. C., Yeager, M., Brooks-Wilson, A. R., Hartge, P., Purdue, M. P., Birmann, B. M., Armstrong, B. K., Cocco, P., Zhang, Y., Severi, G., Zeleniuch-Jacquotte, A., Lawrence, C., Burdette, L., Yuenger, J., Hutchinson, A., Jacobs, K. B., Call, T. G., Shanafelt, T. D., Novak, A. J., Kay, N. E., Liebow, M., Wang, A. H., Smedby, K. E., Adami, H., Melbye, M., Glimelius, B., Chang, E. T., Glenn, M., Curtin, K., Cannon-Albright, L. A., Jones, B., Diver, W. R., Link, B. K., Weiner, G. J., Conde, L., Bracci, P. M., Riby, J., Holly, E. A., Smith, M. T., Jackson, R. D., Tinker, L. F., Benavente, Y., Becker, N., Boffetta, P., Brennan, P., Foretova, L., Maynadie, M., McKay, J., Staines, A., Rabe, K. G., Achenbach, S. J., Vachon, C. M., Goldin, L. R., Strom, S. S., Lanasa, M. C., Spector, L. G., Leis, J. F., Cunningham, J. M., Weinberg, J. B., Morrison, V. A., Caporaso, N. E., Norman, A. D., Linet, M. S., De Roos, A. J., Morton, L. M., Severson, R. K., Riboli, E., Vineis, P., Kaaks, R., Trichopoulos, D., Masala, G., Weiderpass, E., Chirlaque, M., Vermeulen, R. C., Travis, R. C., Giles, G. G., Albanes, D., Virtamo, J., Weinstein, S., Clavel, J., Zheng, T., Holford, T. R., Offit, K., Zelenetz, A., Klein, R. J., Spinelli, J. J., Bertrand, K. A., Laden, F., Giovannucci, E., Kraft, P., Kricker, A., Turner, J., Vajdic, C. M., Ennas, M. G., Ferri, G. M., Miligi, L., Liang, L., Sampson, J., Crouch, S., Park, J., North, K. E., Cox, A., Snowden, J. A., Wright, J., Carracedo, A., Lopez-Otin, C., Bea, S., Salaverria, I., Martin-Garcia, D., Campo, E., Fraumeni, J. F., de Sanjose, S., Hjalgrim, H., Cerhan, J. R., Chanock, S. J., Rothman, N., Slager, S. L. 2013; 45 (8): 868-U202

    View details for DOI 10.1038/ng.2652

    View details for Web of Science ID 000322374900008

    View details for PubMedID 23770605

  • A Multi-institutional Study Exploring the Impact of Positive Mental Health on Medical Students' Professionalism in an Era of High Burnout ACADEMIC MEDICINE Dyrbye, L. N., Harper, W., Moutier, C., Durning, S. J., Power, D. V., Massie, F. S., Eacker, A., Thomas, M. R., Satele, D., Sloan, J. A., Shanafelt, T. D. 2012; 87 (8): 1024-1031

    Abstract

    Although burnout is associated with erosion of professionalism and serious personal consequences, whether positive mental health can enhance professionalism and how it shapes personal experience remain poorly understood. The study simultaneously explores the relationship between positive mental health and burnout with professionalism and personal experience.The authors surveyed 4,400 medical students at seven U.S. medical schools in 2009 to assess mental health (categorized as languishing, moderate, and flourishing) and burnout. Additional items explored professional behaviors, beliefs, suicidal ideation, and serious thoughts of dropping out.A total of 2,682/4,400 (61%) responded. Prevalence of suicidal ideation (55/114 [48.2%], 281/1,128 [24.9%], and 127/1,409 [9.1%]) and serious thoughts of dropping out (15/114 [13.2%], 30/1,128 [2.7%], and 14/1,409 [1.0%]) decreased as mental health improved from languishing, moderate, and flourishing, respectively (all P < .0001); this relationship between personal experience and mental health persisted independent of burnout (all P < .001). As mental health improved, the prevalence of unprofessional behaviors (i.e., cheating and dishonest behaviors) also declined, whereas students' altruistic beliefs regarding physicians' responsibility toward society improved. For example, 33/113 (29.2%), 426/1,120 (38.0%), and 718/1,391 (51.6%) of students with languishing, moderate, and flourishing mental health endorsed all five altruistic professional beliefs (P < .0001). The relationship between professional beliefs and mental health persisted among students with burnout, whereas fewer relationships were found among students without burnout.Findings suggest that positive mental health attenuates some adverse consequences of burnout. Medical student wellness programs should aspire to prevent burnout and promote mental health.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/ACM.0b013e31825cfa35

    View details for Web of Science ID 000306843000013

    View details for PubMedID 22722352

  • Distress and empathy do not drive changes in specialty preference among US medical students MEDICAL TEACHER Dyrbye, L. N., Eacker, A. M., Harper, W., Power, D. V., Massie, F. S., Satele, D., Thomas, M. R., Sloan, J. A., Shanafelt, T. D. 2012; 34 (2): E116-E122

    Abstract

    Although medical student specialty choices shape the future of the healthcare workforce, factors influencing changes in specialty preference during training remain poorly understood.To explore if medical student distress and empathy predicts changes in students' specialty preference.A total of 858/1321 medical students attending five medical schools responded to surveys in 2006 and 2007. The survey included questions about specialty choice, burnout, depression, quality of life, and empathy.A total of 26% (205/799) changed their specialty preference over 1 year. Depersonalization--an aspect of burnout--was the only distress variable associated with change in specialty preference (OR, odds ratio 0.962 for each 1-point increase in score, p = 0.03). Empathy at baseline and changes in empathy over the course of 1 year did not predict change in specialty preference (all p > 0.05). On multi-variable analysis, being a third year (OR 1.92), being male (OR 1.48), and depersonalization score (OR 0.962 for each point increase) independently predicted a change in specialty preference. Distress and empathy did not independently predict students' losing interest in primary care whereas being a fourth-year student (OR 1.83) and being female (OR 1.83) did.Among those who did have a major change in their specialty preference, distress and empathy did not play a major role.

    View details for DOI 10.3109/0142159X.2012.644830

    View details for Web of Science ID 000299701500004

    View details for PubMedID 22289009

  • Relationship of Pass/Fail Grading and Curriculum Structure With Well-Being Among Preclinical Medical Students: A Multi-Institutional Study ACADEMIC MEDICINE Reed, D. A., Shanafelt, T. D., Satele, D. W., Power, D. V., Eacker, A., Harper, W., Moutier, C., Durning, S., Massie, F. S., Thomas, M. R., Sloan, J. A., Dyrbye, L. N. 2011; 86 (11): 1367-1373

    Abstract

    Psychological distress is common among medical students. Curriculum structure and grading scales are modifiable learning environment factors that may influence student well-being. The authors sought to examine relationships among curriculum structures, grading scales, and student well-being.The authors surveyed 2,056 first- and second-year medical students at seven U.S. medical schools in 2007. They used the Perceived Stress Scale, Maslach Burnout Inventory, and Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (SF-8) to measure stress, burnout, and quality of life, respectively. They measured curriculum structure using hours spent in didactic, clinical, and testing experiences. Grading scales were categorized as two categories (pass/fail) versus three or more categories (e.g., honors/pass/fail).Of the 2,056 students, 1,192 (58%) responded. In multivariate analyses, students in schools using grading scales with three or more categories had higher levels of stress (beta 2.65; 95% CI 1.54-3.76, P<.0001), emotional exhaustion (beta 5.35; 95% CI 3.34-7.37, P<.0001), and depersonalization (beta 1.36; 95% CI 0.53-2.19, P=.001) and were more likely to have burnout (OR 2.17; 95% CI 1.41-3.35, P=.0005) and to have seriously considered dropping out of school (OR 2.24; 95% CI 1.54-3.27, P<.0001) compared with students in schools using pass/fail grading. There were no relationships between time spent in didactic and clinical experiences and well-being.How students are evaluated has a greater impact than other aspects of curriculum structure on their well-being. Curricular reform intended to enhance student well-being should incorporate pass/fail grading.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/ACM.0b013e3182305d81

    View details for Web of Science ID 000296624900044

    View details for PubMedID 21952063

  • Patterns of distress in US medical students MEDICAL TEACHER Dyrbye, L. N., Harper, W., Durning, S. J., Moutier, C., Thomas, M. R., Massie, F. S., Eacker, A., Power, D. V., Szydlo, D. W., Sloan, J. A., Shanafelt, T. D. 2011; 33 (10): 834-839

    Abstract

    How multiple forms of psychological distress coexist in individual medical students has not been formally studied.To explore the prevalence of various forms of distress in medical students and their relationship to recent suicidal ideation or serious thoughts of dropping out of school.All medical students at seven US schools were surveyed with standardized instruments to evaluate burnout, depression, stress, mental quality of life (QOL), physical QOL, and fatigue. Additional items explored recent suicidal ideation and serious thoughts of dropping out of medical school.Nearly all (1846/2246, 82%) of medical students had at least one form of distress with 1066 (58%) having ≥3 forms of distress. A dose-response relationship was found between the number of manifestations of distress and recent suicidal ideation or serious thoughts of dropping out. For example, students with 2, 4, or 6 forms of distress were 5, 15, and 24 fold, respectively, more likely to have suicidal ideation than students with no forms of distress assessed. All forms of distress were independently associated with suicidal ideation or serious thoughts of dropping out on multivariable analysis.Most medical students experience ≥1 manifestation of distress with many experiencing multiple forms of distress simultaneously. The more forms of distress experienced the greater the risk for suicidal ideation and thoughts of dropping out of medical school.

    View details for DOI 10.3109/0142159X.2010.531158

    View details for Web of Science ID 000295218300016

    View details for PubMedID 21942482

  • The problems program directors inherit: medical student distress at the time of graduation MEDICAL TEACHER Dyrbye, L. N., Moutier, C., Durning, S. J., Massie, F. S., Power, D. V., Eacker, A., Harper, W., Thomas, M. R., Satele, D., Sloan, J. A., Shanafelt, T. D. 2011; 33 (9): 756-758

    Abstract

    Distress is prevalent among residents and often attributed to rigors of training.To explore the prevalence of burnout and depression and measured mental quality of life (QOL) among graduating medical students shortly before they began residency.Pooled analysis of data from 1428 fourth year medical students who responded to 1 of 3 multi-institutional studies. Students completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory, PRIME MD, and SF-8 to measure burnout, depression, and low mental QOL (defined as mean mental SF-8 scores ½ a standard deviation below the population norm) and answered demographic items.Shortly before beginning residency, 49% of responding medical students had burnout, 38% endorsed depressive symptoms, and 34% had low mental QOL. While no differences in the prevalence of distress was observed by residency specialty area, there were subtle differences in the manifestation of burnout by specialty. Medical students entering surgical fields had lower mean emotional scores, students entering primary care fields had lower mean depersonalization scores, and students entering non-primary care/non-surgical fields reported the lowest mean personal accomplishment scores (all p ≤ 0.03).Our results indicate a high prevalence of distress among graduating medical students across all specialty disciplines before they even begin residency training.

    View details for DOI 10.3109/0142159X.2011.577468

    View details for Web of Science ID 000294065800019

    View details for PubMedID 21854153

  • Factors associated with resilience to and recovery from burnout: a prospective, multi-institutional study of US medical students MEDICAL EDUCATION Dyrbye, L. N., Power, D. V., Massie, F. S., Eacker, A., Harper, W., Thomas, M. R., Szydlo, D. W., Sloan, J. A., Shanafelt, T. D. 2010; 44 (10): 1016-1026

    Abstract

    Burnout is prevalent among medical students and is a predictor of subsequent serious consideration of dropping out of medical school and suicide ideation. Understanding of the factors that protect against burnout is needed to guide student wellness programmes.A total of 1321 medical students attending five institutions were studied longitudinally (2006-2007). The surveys included standardised instruments to evaluate burnout, quality of life, fatigue and stress. Additional items explored social support, learning climate, life events, employment status and demographics. Students who did not have burnout at either time-point (resilient students) were compared with those who indicated burnout at one or both time-points (vulnerable students) using a Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test or Fisher's exact test. Similarly, the differences between those who recovered and those who were chronically burned out were also compared in students with burnout at the first time-point. Logistic regression modelling was employed to evaluate associations between the independent variables and resiliency to and recovery from burnout.Overall, 792 (60.0%) students completed the burnout inventory at both time-points. No differences in demographic characteristics were observed between resilient (290/792 [36.6%]) and vulnerable (502/792 [63.4%]) students. Resilient students were less likely to experience depression, had a higher quality of life, were less likely to be employed, had experienced fewer stressful life events, reported higher levels of social support, perceived their learning climate more positively and experienced less stress and fatigue (all p < 0.05) than vulnerable students. On multivariable analysis, perceiving student education as a priority for faculty staff, experiencing less stress, not being employed and being a minority were factors independently associated with recovery from burnout.Modifiable individual factors and learning climate characteristics including employment status, stress level and perceptions of the prioritising of student education by faculty members relate to medical students' vulnerability to burnout.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/j.1365-2923.2010.03754.x

    View details for Web of Science ID 000282541000011

    View details for PubMedID 20880371

  • Relationship Between Burnout and Professional Conduct and Attitudes Among US Medical Students JAMA-JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION Dyrbye, L. N., Massie, F. S., Eacker, A., Harper, W., Power, D., Durning, S. J., Thomas, M. R., Moutier, C., Satele, D., Sloan, J., Shanafelt, T. D. 2010; 304 (11): 1173-1180

    Abstract

    The relationship between professionalism and distress among medical students is unknown.To determine the relationship between measures of professionalism and burnout among US medical students.Cross-sectional survey of all medical students attending 7 US medical schools (overall response rate, 2682/4400 [61%]) in the spring of 2009. The survey included the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), the PRIME-MD depression screening instrument, and the SF-8 quality of life (QOL) assessment tool, as well as items exploring students' personal engagement in unprofessional conduct, understanding of appropriate relationships with industry, and attitudes regarding physicians' responsibility to society.Frequency of self-reported cheating/dishonest behaviors, understanding of appropriate relationships with industry as defined by American Medical Association policy, attitudes about physicians' responsibility to society, and the relationship of these dimensions of professionalism to burnout, symptoms of depression, and QOL.Of the students who responded to all the MBI items, 1354 of 2566 (52.8%) had burnout. Cheating/dishonest academic behaviors were rare (endorsed by <10%) in comparison to unprofessional conduct related to patient care (endorsed by up to 43%). Only 14% (362/2531) of students had opinions on relationships with industry consistent with guidelines for 6 scenarios. Students with burnout were more likely to report engaging in 1 or more unprofessional behaviors than those without burnout (35.0% vs 21.9%; odds ratio [OR], 1.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.59-2.24). Students with burnout were also less likely to report holding altruistic views regarding physicians' responsibility to society. For example, students with burnout were less likely to want to provide care for the medically underserved than those without burnout (79.3% vs 85.0%; OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.55-0.83). After multivariable analysis adjusting for personal and professional characteristics, burnout was the only aspect of distress independently associated with reporting 1 or more unprofessional behaviors (OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.45-2.13) or holding at least 1 less altruistic view regarding physicians' responsibility to society (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.35-2.01).Burnout was associated with self-reported unprofessional conduct and less altruistic professional values among medical students at 7 US schools.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000281770600009

    View details for PubMedID 20841530

  • Burnout and Serious Thoughts of Dropping Out of Medical School: A Multi-Institutional Study ACADEMIC MEDICINE Dyrbye, L. N., Thomas, M. R., Power, D. V., Durning, S., Moutier, C., Massie, F. S., Harper, W., Eacker, A., Szydlo, D. W., Sloan, J. A., Shanafelt, T. D. 2010; 85 (1): 94-102

    Abstract

    Little is known about students who seriously consider dropping out of medical school. The authors assessed the severity of thoughts of dropping out and explored the relationship of such thoughts with burnout and other indicators of distress.The authors surveyed medical students attending five medical schools in 2006 and 2007 (prospective cohort) and included two additional medical schools in 2007 (cross-sectional cohort). The survey included questions about thoughts of dropping out, life events in the previous 12 months, and validated instruments evaluating burnout, depression symptoms, and quality of life (QOL).Data were provided by 858 (65%) students in the prospective cohort and 2,248 (52%) in the cross-sectional cohort. Of 2,222 respondents, 243 (11%) indicated having serious thoughts of dropping out within the last year. Burnout (P < .0001), QOL (P < .003 each domain), and depressive symptoms (P < .0001) at baseline predicted serious thoughts of dropping out during the following year. Each one-point increase in emotional exhaustion and depersonalization score and one-point decrease in personal accomplishment score at baseline was associated with a 7% increase in the odds of serious thoughts of dropping out during the following year. On subsequent confirmatory multivariable analysis, low scores for personal accomplishment, lower mental and physical QOL, and having children were independent predictors of students having serious thoughts of dropping out during the following year.Approximately 11% of students have serious thoughts of dropping out of medical school each year. Burnout seems to be associated with increased likelihood of serious thoughts of dropping out.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/ACM.0b013e3181c46aad

    View details for Web of Science ID 000276131300024

    View details for PubMedID 20042833

  • Aberrant regulation of pVHL levels by microRNA promotes the HIF/VEGF axis in CLL B cells BLOOD Ghosh, A. K., Shanafelt, T. D., Cimmino, A., Taccioli, C., Volinia, S., Liu, C., Calin, G. A., Croce, C. M., Chan, D. A., Giaccia, A. J., Secreto, C., Wellik, L. E., Lee, Y. K., Mukhopadhyay, D., Kay, N. E. 2009; 113 (22): 5568-5574

    Abstract

    The molecular mechanism of autocrine regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) B cells is unknown. Here, we report that CLL B cells express constitutive levels of HIF-1alpha under normoxia. We have examined the status of the von Hippel-Lindau gene product (pVHL) that is responsible for HIF-1alpha degradation and found it to be at a notably low level in CLL B cells compared with normal B cells. We demonstrate that the microRNA, miR-92-1, overexpressed in CLL B cells, can target the VHL transcript to repress its expression. We found that the stabilized HIF-1alpha can form an active complex with the transcriptional coactivator p300 and phosphorylated-STAT3 at the VEGF promoter and recruit RNA polymerase II. This is initial evidence that pVHL, without any genetic alteration, can be regulated by microRNA and explains the aberrant autocrine VEGF secretion in CLL.

    View details for DOI 10.1182/blood-2008-10-185686

    View details for Web of Science ID 000266634700026

    View details for PubMedID 19336759

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC2689054

  • The learning environment and medical student burnout: a multicentre study MEDICAL EDUCATION Dyrbye, L. N., Thomas, M. R., Harper, W., Massie, F. S., Power, D. V., Eacker, A., Szydlo, D. W., Novotny, P. J., Sloan, J. A., Shanafelt, T. D. 2009; 43 (3): 274-282

    Abstract

    Little is known about specific personal and professional factors influencing student distress. The authors conducted a comprehensive assessment of how learning environment, clinical rotation factors, workload, demographics and personal life events relate to student burnout.All medical students (n = 3080) at five medical schools were surveyed in the spring of 2006 using a validated instrument to assess burnout. Students were also asked about the aforementioned factors.A total of 1701 medical students (response rate 55%) completed the survey. Learning climate factors were associated with student burnout on univariate analysis (odds ratio [OR] 1.36-2.07; all P < or = 0.02). Being on a hospital ward rotation or a rotation requiring overnight call was also associated with burnout (ORs 1.69 and 1.48, respectively; both P < or = 0.02). Other workload characteristics (e.g. number of admissions) had no relation to student burnout. Students who experienced a positive personal life event had a lower frequency of burnout (OR 0.70; P < or = 0.02), whereas those who experienced negative personal life events did not have a higher frequency of burnout than students who did not experience a negative personal life event. On multivariate analysis personal characteristics, learning environment and personal life events were all independently related to student burnout.Although a complex array of personal and professional factors influence student well-being, student satisfaction with specific characteristics of the learning environment appears to be a critical factor. Studies determining how to create a learning environment that cultivates student well-being are needed.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/j.1365-2923.2008.03282.x

    View details for Web of Science ID 000263466200013

    View details for PubMedID 19250355

  • Burnout and suicidal ideation among US medical students ANNALS OF INTERNAL MEDICINE Dyrbye, L. N., Thomas, M. R., Massie, F. S., Power, D. V., Eacker, A., Harper, W., Durning, S., Moutier, C., Szydlo, D. W., Novotny, P. J., Sloan, J. A., Shanafelt, T. D. 2008; 149 (5): 334-W70

    Abstract

    Little is known about the prevalence of suicidal ideation among U.S. medical students or how it relates to burnout.To assess the frequency of suicidal ideation among medical students and explore its relationship with burnout.Cross-sectional 2007 and longitudinal 2006 to 2007 cohort study.7 medical schools in the United States.4287 medical students at 7 medical schools, with students at 5 institutions studied longitudinally.Prevalence of suicidal ideation in the past year and its relationship to burnout, demographic characteristics, and quality of life.Burnout was reported by 49.6% (95% CI, 47.5% to 51.8%) of students, and 11.2% (CI, 9.9% to 12.6%) reported suicidal ideation within the past year. In a sensitivity analysis that assumed all nonresponders did not have suicidal ideation, the prevalence of suicidal ideation in the past 12 months would be 5.8%. In the longitudinal cohort, burnout (P < 0.001 for all domains), quality of life (P < 0.002 for each domain), and depressive symptoms (P < 0.001) at baseline predicted suicidal ideation over the following year. In multivariable analysis, burnout and low mental quality of life at baseline were independent predictors of suicidal ideation over the following year. Of the 370 students who met criteria for burnout in 2006, 99 (26.8%) recovered. Recovery from burnout was associated with markedly less suicidal ideation, which suggests that recovery from burnout decreased suicide risk.Although response rates (52% for the cross-sectional study and 65% for the longitudinal cohort study) are typical of physician surveys, nonresponse by some students reduces the precision of the estimated frequency of suicidal ideation and burnout.Approximately 50% of students experience burnout and 10% experience suicidal ideation during medical school. Burnout seems to be associated with increased likelihood of subsequent suicidal ideation, whereas recovery from burnout is associated with less suicidal ideation.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000259229300006

    View details for PubMedID 18765703

  • Race, ethnicity, and medical student well-being in the United States ARCHIVES OF INTERNAL MEDICINE Dyrbye, L. N., Thomas, M. R., Eacker, A., Harper, W., Massie, S., Power, D. V., Huschka, M., Novotny, P. J., Sloan, J. A., Shanafelt, T. D. 2007; 167 (19): 2103-2109

    Abstract

    Little is known about the training experience of minority medical students. We explore differences in the prevalence of burnout, depressive symptoms, and quality of life (QOL) among minority and nonminority medical students as well as the role race/ethnicity plays in students' experiences.Medical students (N = 3080) at 5 medical schools were surveyed in 2006 using validated instruments to assess burnout, depression, and QOL. Students were also asked about the impact of race/ethnicity on their training experience.The response rate was 55%. Nearly half of students reported burnout (47%) and depressive symptoms (49%). Mental QOL scores were lower among students than among the age-matched general population (43.1 vs 47.2; P < .001). Prevalence of depressive symptoms was similar regardless of minority status, but more nonminority students had burnout (39% vs 33%; P < .03). Minority students were more likely to report that their race/ethnicity had adversely affected their medical school experience (11% vs 2%; P < .001) and cited racial discrimination, racial prejudice, feelings of isolation, and different cultural expectations as causes. Minority students reporting such experiences were more likely to have burnout, depressive symptoms, and low mental QOL scores than were minority students without such experiences (all P < .05).Symptoms of distress are prevalent among medical students. While minorities appear to be at lower risk for burnout than nonminority students, race does contribute to the distress minority students do experience. Additional studies are needed to define the causes of these perceptions and to improve the learning climate for all students.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000250326900014

    View details for PubMedID 17954805

  • Medical education research and IRB review: An analysis and comparison of the IRB review process at six institutions ACADEMIC MEDICINE Dyrbye, L. N., Thomas, M. R., Mechaber, A. J., Eacker, A., Harper, W., Massie, F. S., Power, D. V., Shanafelt, T. D. 2007; 82 (7): 654-660

    Abstract

    To compare how different institutional review boards (IRBs) process and evaluate the same multiinstitutional educational research proposal of medical students' quality of life.Prospective collection in 2005 of key variables regarding the IRB submission and review process of the same educational research proposal involving medical students, which was submitted to six IRBs, each associated with a different medical school.Four IRBs determined the protocol was appropriate for expedited review, and the remaining two required full review. Substantial variation existed in the time to review the protocol by an IRB administrator/IRB member (range 1-101 days) and by the IRB committee (range 6-115 days). One IRB committee approved the study as written. The remaining five IRB committees had a median of 13 requests for additional information/changes to the protocol. Sixty-eight percent of requests (36 of 53) pertained to the informed consent letter; one third (12 of 36) of these requests were unique modifications requested by one IRB but not the others. Although five IRB committees approved the survey after a median of 47 days (range 6-73), one committee had not responded six months after submission (164 days), preventing that school from participating.The findings suggest variability in the timeliness and consistency of IRB review of medical education research across institutions that may hinder multi-institutional research and slow evidence-based medical education reform. The findings demonstrate the difficulties of having medical education research reviewed by IRBs, which are typically designed to review clinical trials, and suggest that the review process for medical education research needs reform.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000247810100005

    View details for PubMedID 17595560

  • Elevated HIF-1 alpha levels in CLLB cells may explain their autocrine VEGF secretion. 48th Annual Meeting of the American-Society-of-Hematology Lee, Y. K., Shanafelt, T., Chan, D., Giaccia, A., Mukhopadhyay, D., Taccioli, C., Calin, G., Croce, C., Kay, N. E. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. 2006: 176A–176A