A recent survey conducted at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI) in Chandigarh has unveiled a severe burnout crisis among resident doctors, who form the backbone of the institution's healthcare delivery. The study, which surveyed 462 residents across 38 departments, reveals that the grueling work culture—marked by extreme hours and chronic fatigue—is pushing many of these medical professionals to their breaking point, raising critical concerns for patient safety.
Extreme Work Hours
Around 80% of surveyed residents report working more than 60 hours weekly, with 46% logging over 80 hours per week. This schedule, combined with high patient volumes, frequently results in doctors working continuously for 24 to 30 hours, often without adequate rest or regular weekly offs. Such prolonged shifts are a direct consequence of staffing shortages, forcing residents to fill the gap and shoulder an unsustainable workload.
Mental and Physical Toll
The survey found that the doctors face extreme mental exhaustion, sleep disturbances, and a persistent inability to balance clinical duties with academic training. Many doctors disclosed that they often skip meals and feel rushed while providing patient care—symptoms of an overburdened system where staffing shortages force residents to compensate. The chronic fatigue and lack of downtime not only affect their well-being but also compromise the quality of care delivered to patients.
Stress and Anxiety Levels
Nearly half of the participants, 48.70%, reported normal stress levels, while 16.45% experienced mild stress and 17.75% reported moderate stress. Additionally, 12.77% of residents reported severe stress, and 4.33% experienced extremely severe stress. In terms of anxiety, 30.30% of the residents reported normal levels, whereas 14.50% experienced mild anxiety and 19.26% reported moderate anxiety. These figures indicate that a significant proportion of residents are grappling with psychological distress, which can impair their decision-making and increase the risk of medical errors.
Implications for Patient Safety
The burnout crisis among resident doctors has direct implications for patient safety. Overworked and fatigued physicians are more prone to mistakes, reduced vigilance, and compromised clinical judgment. The survey highlights an urgent need for systemic reforms, including better staffing, regulated work hours, and mental health support, to protect both healthcare workers and patients. As the backbone of PGI's healthcare delivery, residents require a sustainable work environment to ensure the institution continues to provide high-quality care.
