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Prevalence of Burnout Among General Practitioners in a Portuguese Local Health Unit

Ana Francisca SANTOS, Vera ABREU, Filipa FERNANDES, Maria João ALVES, Joana SILVA, Ana Isabel RODRIGUES, Ana Sofia CARVALHO and Ricardo CORREIA

Family physicians are the healthcare professionals who ensure patients initial access to the care system, maintaining a closer and continuous relationship with each patient. However, this proximity may have negative implications for the physician’s mental health, leading to physical and mental exhaustion. Burnout among family physicians is an increasingly common and multifactorial phenomenon, associated with rising workloads, time pressure, clinical complexity and the need to balance multiple non-clinical responsibilities. The literature shows that high levels of burnout compromise care quality, patient safety, professional satisfaction, and the stability of healthcare teams. In this context, it is essential to deepen the understanding of the determinants of burnout and the factors that contribute to the well-being of family physicians.To assess the prevalence of burnout among family physicians working in a Portuguese Local Health Unit (LHU).This is an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study with an analytical component, currently underway. It is based on an anonymous online questionnaire addressed to family physicians and residents working in the LHU. The questionnaire includes demographic and professional data, as well as the Maslach Burnout Inventory – Human Services Survey, validated for Portuguese. Data will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics after the conclusion of data collection.Although data collection is still ongoing, relevant levels of burnout are expected to be identified, with a high prevalence of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment. The study also aims to examine the association between these factors and gender, age, organizational model of the health unit and years of professional experience.As data collection is still in progress, a complete analysis and discussion cannot be provided at this stage. Updated results and their interpretation will be presented during the congress.This study aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the professional reality of family physicians in Portugal, reinforcing the need for policies and interventions that promote healthy working environments. Investing in physicians’ mental health and well-being is an essential pillar for ensuring sustainable, safe, and high-quality primary healthcare.