Nearly half of Queensland Health doctors at risk of burnout, statewide survey finds

A statewide pulse check on doctor wellbeing

Nearly half of Queensland Health doctors who responded to a new statewide survey met the threshold for burnout risk, according to findings released this week.

The Queensland-first Medical Workforce Wellbeing Survey was conducted last year to better understand clinician wellbeing and guide targeted support strategies.

More than 2,000 doctors participated, with 33 per cent of respondents based in regional, rural and remote areas.

Queensland Chief Medical Officer Dr Catherine McDougall said the results are now shaping new programs and reforms.

“It is our responsibility to ensure the wellbeing of our workforce. This survey is just one of the many ways we are working to improve wellbeing, support workforce retention and ensure we continue to provide high quality care,” Dr McDougall said.

The headline figure: 49 per cent at risk

“One of the key results was that 49 per cent of clinicians surveyed met the threshold for risk of burnout, with burnout risk higher in rural and regional areas compared to metro areas,” Dr McDougall said.

Participants identified workload as the most significant workplace factor negatively impacting their wellbeing. This was followed by organisational processes, resources, culture, support and supervision, and professional development.

Among the changes clinicians wanted to see were increased staffing, more flexible work arrangements, and improved access to leave and relief cover.

Dr McDougall acknowledged the issue extends beyond Queensland.

“We know burnout in the medical profession is not unique to Queensland and it is an issue being faced by health systems across the globe,” she said.

“We recognise more needs to be done to support our workforce, and this survey is guiding meaningful change for the wellbeing of our medical workforce no matter where they are in Queensland.”

Reform and workforce planning

Dr McDougall said the department is now moving from data to implementation.

“System level reform combined with targeted local initiatives are needed to address the survey results, but it is important these are introduced with extensive engagement and collaboration with staff,” she said.

“Tailored reports will be provided to individual Hospital and Health Services for local leadership to review and action as an important first step.”

The findings will also complement Queensland Health’s broader workforce strategy.

“This will complement the workforce plan currently being developed following the Workforce Gap Analysis that identified significant shortages in key areas across the system,” Dr McDougall said.

“The new workforce plan will be the road map to grow the health workforce by 46,000 extra workers by 2032 and help build a future ready workforce that feels supported and professionally fulfilled.”

AMA Queensland response

AMA Queensland President Dr Nick Yim welcomed the survey and said the findings aligned with the association’s own data.

“It tracks with our own 2025 Resident Hospital Health Check in showing higher levels of burnout and lower levels of professional fulfilment,” Dr Yim said.

“We need to address these indicators to make sure we don’t lose the doctors we already have.”

While burnout risk was higher in non-metropolitan areas, the survey also revealed that professional fulfilment was significantly stronger in rural and remote settings.

Dr Yim said that was consistent with what many regional doctors report.

“We know doctors find enormous satisfaction in being trusted members of a community where they can see the positive impact of their work,” Dr Yim said.

“Finding ways for purpose to reduce pressure – both on the system and doctors – would be a powerful step forward.”

Why this matters for health leaders

The survey places workforce wellbeing firmly on the strategic agenda for hospital executives and policymakers.

With workload identified as the primary driver of negative wellbeing, and staffing increases cited as a key requested change, the findings reinforce the direct connection between workforce capacity and clinician sustainability.

Queensland Health expects to repeat the survey within two years to assess progress and measure whether reforms are improving wellbeing outcomes.

For healthcare leaders across Australia, the message is clear: measuring burnout is only the first step. Translating workforce insight into structural change will determine whether the next survey tells a different story.

Source: Queensland Health, Medical workforce survey to guide future frontline supports.