JAMA Netw Open

Burnout among U.S. health care workers decreases post-pandemic, but remains high

April 24, 2025

Study details: This survey study examined burnout trends among U.S. health care workers from 2018 to 2023. Researchers collected responses from an annual organization-wide survey at 140 VA medical centers, focusing on self-reported burnout and professional stress levels across various occupations and settings.

Results: Primary care physicians experienced the highest burnout levels among all service areas, increasing from 46.2% in 2018 to 56.5% in 2023. Other service areas, including mental health, dental, and rehabilitation services, saw relative increases of ≥10% in burnout rates during the same period. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these trends, with many specialties reporting peak burnout levels between 2020 and 2021. Notably, respondents who teleworked most of the time reported lower burnout levels compared with those who didn’t telework.

Clinical Impact: Although burnout and professional stress decreased on average following the pandemic, levels remain elevated compared with prepandemic levels. Addressing factors such as excessive workload, poor teamwork, and high stress levels is crucial for mitigating burnout. Implementing supportive policies and promoting mental health resources can help improve job satisfaction and patient care quality.

Source:

Mohr DC, et al. (2025, April 1). JAMA Netw Open. Burnout Trends Among US Health Care Workers. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40257797/