Quality of Life, Burnout and Well-Being Among Neurology Residents in French-Speaking Belgium: Protocol for a Cross-Sectional Mixed-Methods Study.

<title>Abstract</title> <p> <bold>Background</bold> : Burnout among medical trainees is highly prevalent, with neurology residents exposed to specific risk factors related to workload, emotional demands, and work-life imbalance. Growing attention to physician well-being, including through the European Academy of Neurology’s Brain Health Mission, underscores the need for systematic data on resident wellness. <bold>Objective</bold> : This study aims to evaluate burnout, work-life balance, fatigue, quality of life, and professional satisfaction among all neurology residents in French-speaking Belgium. A mixed methods design will be used to characterize well-being and inform institutional interventions. <bold>Methods</bold> : We will conduct a multicentre cross-sectional online survey of all neurology residents in French-speaking Belgium. Validated scales will assess burnout (MBI-HSS (MP)), work-home interaction (SWING), daytime sleepiness (ESS), and global quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF). Additional items will measure job satisfaction, workload, and professional context. Open-ended questions will provide qualitative insights. Quantitative data will undergo descriptive and correlational analysis; qualitative data will be thematically analysed. <bold>Expected results</bold> : The study will provide a multidimensional overview of neurology residents’ well-being and identify risk and protective factors associated with burnout, quality of life, and training conditions. <bold>Conclusion</bold> : This protocol outlines the first systematic evaluation of well-being among neurology resident in French-speaking Belgium. Findings will support evidence-based strategies to promote brain health among clinicians in training. <bold>Ethics and dissemination</bold> : Ethical approval will be obtained from the relevant institutional review board at Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium, and electronic informed consent will be required. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication, conference presentations and communication to neurology training programs. <bold>Trial registration:</bold> The study will be registered on OSF Registries prior to data collection. Protocol and SAP will be publicly accessible upon publication. De-identified participant data, study instruments and statistical code will be deposited in OSF and made available upon reasonable request after publication. </p>