# Work-related stressful events and burnout experienced by residents and specialists in German neurology: prevalence, causes, and coping strategies derived from a nationwide survey

## TL;DR

This study finds high burnout rates among German neurology residents and specialists, pointing to stressful work environments and the need for better coping strategies and institutional support.

## Contribution

A nationwide survey in Germany reveals specific stressors and coping mechanisms in neurology, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to reduce burnout.

## Key findings

- Stressful events occurred monthly, most frequently in emergency and intensive care units.
- Burnout was linked to job satisfaction, institutional factors, and lack of debriefing, with 30% considering changing employers.
- Dysfunctional coping strategies like alcohol use correlated with higher burnout risk.

## Abstract

Burnout is an increasing challenge and highly prevalent among healthcare professionals. Time-critical emergencies, high workload, the second-victim phenomenon, and moral distress have been identified as key risk factors of burnout. However, measures to mitigate the impact of stressful events have not yet been fully utilized and data in Germany is still limited.

To address this gap, the Young Neurology section of the German Neurological Society conducted a nationwide survey between October 7 and November 18, 2024, assessing 318 Neurology residents and 175 Neurology specialists. The study examined the frequency of stressful events, risk factors, coping mechanisms, and burnout severity.

Stressful events occurred monthly and most often in emergency rooms, intensive care units, and general wards. Most residents were at risk of burnout and often lacked direct supervision during critical incidents. Common training-independent causes were high patient numbers, the second-victim phenomenon, and poor communication. Knowledge and skill related causes were specific to residents. Burnout was independently correlated to the frequency of stressful events, job satisfaction, institutional factors, age, number of children, and debriefing offer. While job satisfaction was generally good, 30% of participants thought about changing the employer and 10% about leaving Neurology. Dysfunctional coping strategies including the use of alcohol and medication were common and significantly correlated with increased burnout risk. The most relevant mitigation strategies were structured onboarding, debriefing, and improvement of processes.

Our findings confirm high burnout rates, particularly during residency, and highlight the urgent need for targeted intervention.

The study was registered in the German Clinical Trial Register (DRKS-ID DRKS00035214) on 7 October 2024.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s42466-025-00415-x.