[en] Purpose: To assess rates of burnout among US radiation oncology residents and evaluate program/resident factors associated with burnout. Methods and Materials: A nationwide survey was distributed to residents in all US radiation oncology programs. The survey included the Maslach Burnout Index–Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) as well as demographic and program-specific questions tailored to radiation oncology residents. Primary endpoints included rates of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment from MBI-HSS subscale scores. Binomial logistic models determined associations between various residency/resident characteristics and high burnout levels. Results: Overall, 232 of 733 residents (31.2%) responded, with 205 of 733 (27.9%) completing the MBI-HSS. High levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization were reported in 28.3% and 17.1%, respectively; 33.1% experienced a high burnout level on at least 1 of these 2 MBI-HSS subscales. Low rates of personal accomplishment occurred in 12% of residents. Twelve residents (5.9%) reported feeling “at the end of my rope” on a weekly basis or more. On multivariable analysis there was a statistically significant inverse association between perceived adequacy of work-life balance (odds ratio 0.37; 95% confidence interval 0.17-0.83) and burnout. Conclusions: Approximately one-third of radiation oncology residents have high levels of burnout symptoms, consistent with previous oncology literature, but lower levels than those among physicians and residents of other specialties. Particularly concerning was that more than 1 in 20 felt “at the end of my rope” on a weekly basis or more. Targeted interventions to identify symptoms of burnout among radiation oncology residents may help to prevent the negative downstream consequences of this syndrome.

[en] Radiation therapists (RTs) play an important role in caring for patients undergoing radiotherapy for palliative intent. RTs are in a primary position to provide emotional support to their patients and, as a result, compassion fatigue (CF) and burnout can develop. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of CF and burnout in RTs providing care to palliative cancer patients, the various intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influence how RTs provide care to this specific patient population, and to determine if RTs feel supported through education and resources.

[en] Introduction: Evidence demonstrates that health care professionals in the palliative care context are more burned out than other health professionals. The aims of this study were to examine: (1) occupational burnout levels among radiation therapists in Australia, (2) association between demographic factors on burnout and (3) radiation therapists' perceptions of burnout. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey including the Maslach Burnout Inventory was administered to Radiation Therapists in Australia. Data were analysed using SPSS Ver 20 and open ended comments were analysed thematically using Nvivo 10. Results: A total of 200 radiation therapists participated in the survey. RTs had a high mean (±SD) burnout score for emotional exhaustion (38.5 ± 8.2), depersonalisation (17.5 ± 4.7) and personal achievement (30.5.3 ± 4.3) compared to RTs and health workers in other studies. High levels of emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and low levels of personal achievement were present in 93% (186/200), 87% (174/200) and 61% (122/200) of participants respectively. RTs identified high workload and staff shortages, interpersonal conflict and technology as key sources of stress in the RT work environment. Conclusion: Australian RTs' level of burnout on all three stages of burnout exceed previously reported burnout levels for similar cohorts both locally and internationally. It is important that future interventions aimed at minimising or preventing stressors are identified and implemented in the radiation therapy work environment. - Highlights: • The burnout rate is higher among Australian RTs compared to studies in other countries. • Dealing with patients and their emotions were not a contributing factor to RTs' stress. • Challenging interpersonal relationships between staff was identified as one of the key stressors. • It is important that future interventions aimed at minimising or preventing stressors are recognised.

No abstract available

[en] A new correlation of non-uniformly heated round tube burnout data is presented. This fits the available data better than any previously published correlation - the root-mean-square deviation being 5.7% for all data at 1000 p.s.i.a. and the worst fit being to data at 2000 p.s.i.a. where the r.m.s. error is 6.6%. The correlation is used to investigate the effect of flux profile changes and no significant increase in burnout power is obtained by modifying the present chopped cosine distribution. (author)

[en] Purpose: To evaluate stressors among radiation oncology residency program directors (PDs) and determine the prevalence and indicators of burnout. Methods and Materials: An anonymous, online, cross-sectional survey was offered to PDs of US radiation oncology programs in the fall of 2014. Survey content examined individual and program demographics, perceptions surrounding the role of PD, and commonly encountered stressors. Burnout was assessed using the validated Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey. Results: In total, 47 of 88 PDs (53%) responded to the survey. Although 78% of respondents reported feeling “satisfied” or “highly satisfied” with their current role, 85% planned to remain as PD for <5 years. The most commonly cited stressors were satisfying Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education/Residency Review Committee requirements (47%), administrative duties (30%) and resident morale (28%). Three-quarters of respondents were satisfied that they became PDs. Overall, 11% of respondents met criteria for low burnout, 83% for moderate burnout, and 6% for high burnout. Not having served as a PD at a prior institution correlated with high depersonalization (OR 6.75, P=.04) and overall burnout (odds ratio [OR], 15.6; P=.04). Having more years on faculty prior to becoming PD correlated with less emotional exhaustion (OR, 0.44, P=.05) and depersonalization (OR, 0.20, P=.04). Finally, having dedicated time for PD duties correlated with less emotional exhaustion (OR, 0.27, P=.04). Conclusions: Moderate levels of burnout are common in U.S. radiation oncology PDs with regulatory stressors being common. Despite this, many PDs are fulfilled with their role. Longitudinal studies assessing dynamic external factors and their influence on PD burnout would be beneficial.

No abstract available

[en] The report presents new evaluated data on a critical heat flux (CHF) for water in round tubes. These data were derived in accordance with modern requirements that stand for a recommended (standard) material. Among others requirements are: tests of reliability, evaluation of errors, physical and statistical justification, comparison with a representative set of experimental data. We have used the contents of data bank of Heat and Mass Transfer Information Center (HEMATIC) of Institute of Physics and Power Engineering, Obninsk, USSR. That makes it possible to ensure the correctness of CHF recommended data in a wide range of parameters. (orig.)

[en] The success of the scaling factor concept in linking burnout measurements made in two different fluids has been amply demonstrated. This memorandum investigates the possibility of linking measurements made on two different systems in the same fluid. It seems that good accuracy may be obtained for systems whose linear dimensions differ by as much as a factor of two; this offers the possibility of saving very substantial amounts of power in testing reactor fuel element. A novel conclusion is that systems do not need to be geometrically similar in order to be linked by scaling factors. (author)

[en] An investigation of the limiting, or flooding, velocities for countercurrent annular flow of air and water in vertical tubes is reported. The data are correlated in terms of dimensionless groups which are similar to those already in use for describing flooding in packed towers. The relevance of the results to the problem of burnout in boiling equipment is discussed. (author)