Burnout and Mental Health Challenges Among Emergency Physicians: Causes, Effects, and Solutions: Systematic Review

resumen

Moamen Abdelfadil Ismail*, Anas Abdullah Alaidarous, Ragad Mohammad Alhazmi, Shahad Sulaiman Alsharif, Mohammed Abdullah Alsalman, Waleed Khalid Moosa, Abdullah Abdulmohsen Ali Alwarafi, Ahmed Abdulaziz Anajirih, Hassan Abdulhamed Albagshi, Mohammad Essa K Althobity, Seddiqa Abdulghani Husain Ali, Husam Mohammad Qutqut, Manar Ahmed Hamdoon, Malak Ahmed Hamdoon

Background: Emergency physicians face unique occupational challenges that predispose them to high levels of burnout and mental health disorders. Understanding the causes, consequences, and possible solutions is critical to addressing this global healthcare crisis.

Objective: To systematically review recent literature on burnout among emergency physicians, exploring associated risk factors, psychological and clinical consequences, and effective interventions.

Methods: This review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines, analyzing peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2025. Databases searched included PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and PsycINFO. Inclusion criteria targeted studies involving burnout among emergency physicians, their mental health outcomes, and intervention efficacy.

Results: Twenty-five studies were included, revealing burnout rates ranging from 46% to 95%. Common contributors included night shifts, workload, violence exposure, and inadequate institutional support. Burnout was associated with depression, anxiety, job dissatisfaction, and reduced quality of care. Few but promising interventions were identified.

Conclusion: Burnout among emergency physicians is widespread and multifactorial, with severe implications for both personal and patient health. System-level and individualized interventions are urgently needed to mitigate its impact and support physician well-being.