Medical Residents’ Burnout: Operational Implications in a Philippine Tertiary Hospital

Abstract

Burnout remains a critical concern among medical residents in tertiary hospitals in the Philippines. This exploratory descriptive qualitative study used a phenomenological approach, employing in-depth interviews with 8 residents to explore contributors to burnout and coping mechanisms. Thematic analysis, validated through member checking and peer debriefing, revealed organizational influences shaping resident well-being: scheduling and task assignment, sufficient staffing levels, support from senior physicians, quality of team collaboration, a safe environment for open communication, and availability of counseling support. Burnout was primarily linked to work overload, poor work-life balance, mental and emotional strain, and strained relationships. Residents recommended strategies such as structured workload management, fostering healthier work-life integration, accessing psychological and emotional support, and seeking professional counseling. This study highlights specific workflow stressors in the Philippine tertiary hospitals – high patient volumes, extended duty hours, and complex clinical workflows – and translates them into actionable operational points for management. These findings underscore the need for both individual and institutional interventions to promote resident well-being, improve hospital operations, and strengthen healthcare system resilience.