Authors: Mohammed Abdullah Alhejji , Hassan Ahmed Khubrani

Abstract

Background: Physician burnout is a critical occupational phenomenon, compromising physician well-being, patient care quality, and healthcare system sustainability. In response, numerous systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SR/MAs) have evaluated interventions aimed at mitigating burnout. However, the proliferation of these reviews has created a complex and often contradictory evidence landscape, making it difficult for decision-makers to identify the most effective strategies. This umbrella review, therefore, synthesizes and critically appraises this body of secondary evidence to provide a clear, high-level summary of what is known about preventing and reducing physician burnout.

Methods: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines, a systematic search of four major databases was conducted. We included SR/MAs that evaluated individual- or organization-directed interventions to reduce physician burnout. Two reviewers independently performed study selection, data extraction, and quality appraisal using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. Findings were synthesized narratively.

Results: Thirteen SR/MAs met the inclusion criteria. A prominent and recurring finding was that organization- directed interventions were associated with larger and more significant reductions in burnout compared to individual-focused strategies. Meta-analyses reported that the effect size for organizational changes was, in some cases, more than double that of individual interventions. While individual approaches like mindfulness demonstrated small, positive effects, particularly on emotional exhaustion, the overall evidence base was limited by significant heterogeneity and methodological weaknesses in the underlying primary studies.

Conclusion: The evidence strongly indicates that organization-directed strategies addressing systemic issues are more effective than interventions targeting individuals alone. The most promising path forward involves a comprehensive, bundled approach that prioritizes fixing the workplace while simultaneously offering supportive, evidence-based resources to physicians. Healthcare organizations must focus on implementing system- level changes to create healthier and more sustainable clinical work environments.

Keywords: burnout, occupational stress, physician well-being