Examining the Correlation of Burnout and Perceptions of the Clinical Learning Environment among Medical Trainees in Dubai: A Quantitative Study

The prevalence of healthcare provider burnout is increasing globally, with medical trainees being especially susceptible. The purpose of this quantitative cross-sectional correlational study was to examine the relationship between the perceptions of the Clinical Learning Environment (CLE) and burnout among medical trainees within a single medical school system in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. A sample of 115 was drawn from the target population of medical trainees undertaking full-time clinical training within the system. The respondents completed two survey instruments: the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory and the Revised Dutch Residency Educational Climate Test. Pearson correlation and linear regression analyses were conducted to test the hypotheses and answer the three research questions. The results from these analyses provided support to reject all three null hypotheses. Significant negative associations were found between the aggregate level of the CLE dimensions and the exhaustion and disengagement constructs of burnout. Furthermore, the nine subscales of the CLE combined were significant predictors of both the exhaustion and disengagement constructs of burnout. Among the nine CLE subscales, the only significant predictor of exhaustion was the subscale of work is adapted to residents, which uniquely explained about 7% of the variation in this variable. In addition, the only significant predictor of disengagement was the subscale of teamwork, which uniquely explained about 13% of the variation in this variable. Further research is needed to examine how specific elements of CLE impact the dimensions of burnout among medical trainees in Dubai and how the relationship between these variables changes over time. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]