Are we 'gritty' enough? The importance of 'grit' in O&G training: Association of passion and perseverance with burnout, thriving and career progression

BACKGROUND: Objective assessment of grit and its association with burnout in obstetrics and gynaecology (O&G) training is underexplored.

AIM: This study utilises the Short Grit Scale and the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory to investigate the association of grit with burnout, thriving and career progression among O&G trainees and Fellows in Australia/New Zealand.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of the RANZCOG (Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists) members was conducted. Participants were categorised by seniority level (core trainees, advanced trainees and Fellows). Mean grit and burnout scores were compared with one-way analyses of variance. Correlation between grit and burnout was estimated using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Logistic regression models were used to determine factors associated with high vs low burnout. Grit was categorised as low/medium/high for regression models.

RESULTS: A total of 751 (26%) participants completed the survey. Fellows reported higher mean grit than core (P = 0.02) and advanced trainees (P = 0.03), and lower mean burnout than core trainees (P < 0.001). Moderate negative correlation was demonstrated between grit and burnout scores (r = -0.34). In the multivariable model, only seniority (adjusted adds ratio (OR): 0.40 for Fellows vs core trainees, P = 0.008) and grit levels (adjusted OR:4.52 for low versus high, P < 0.001; 2.32 for low vs medium, P = 0.001) were significantly associated with burnout.

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the protective role of grit in combating burnout among RANZCOG trainees and Fellows. While further well-designed studies are warranted, findings from our study are expected to help the College in developing targeted interventions and subsequently minimise burnout-related adverse outcomes in high-risk groups.