Burnout among physician assistants and physician associates: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveTo estimate the pooled prevalence of burnout among practicing physician assistants/associates (PAs) and identify contributing factors.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies published between January 2018 and January 2026 using CINAHL, PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect, Cochrane, and Google Scholar. Primary research reporting burnout statistics in practicing PAs was included. Data were pooled using inverse-variance weighted random-effects models.ResultsEighteen studies (N = 47,098) were included. The pooled burnout prevalence was 33.7% (95% CI: 30.3%–37.3%;prediction interval: 21.1%–49.2%; I2 = 97.4%). Heterogeneity was substantial (I2 = 97.4%). Subgroup analysis revealed significantly higher burnout rates in studies using MBI (39.0%) compared with non-MBI measures (29.4%; p = .002). No evidence of small-study effects was detected (p = .98).ConclusionsApproximately one-third of PAs experience burnout. Prevalence estimates are sensitive to the measurement instrument used. Interventions should target systemic factors rather than individual demographics to ensure workforce sustainability.