A Qualitative Examination of Burnout Experienced by Physician Assistant Students

Authors

  • Aimee K. Johnson, PhD
  • Sarah R. Blackstone, PhD, MPH
  • Whitney R. Simmons, MPAS, PA-C
  • Ashley W. Skelly, MMS, PA-C

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47779/ajhs.2020.100

Keywords:

Burnout, Physician Assistant, Depression, Qualitative

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to provide a qualitative perspective examining PAs students’ experiences of burnout and potential strategies to mitigate burnout. Thirty-two PA students participated in one of five focus groups. Emotional exhaustion was the most commonly expressed symptom of burnout, which then contributed to apathy and irritability. Participants noted sources contributing to burnout: individual, interpersonal, and environmental. The effects of burnout were classified into three categories: physical, emotional, and social. These findings reflect the need to develop strategies to reduce burnout while not increasing the students’ workload.

Published

2020-10-21

How to Cite

Johnson, A. K., Blackstone, S. R., Simmons, W. R., & Skelly, A. W. (2020). A Qualitative Examination of Burnout Experienced by Physician Assistant Students. American Journal of Health Studies, 35(1). https://doi.org/10.47779/ajhs.2020.100