Burnout and level of mental functioning in oncology staff.

Abstract

10513 Background: The Burnout Syndrome takes relevance for its investigation since 1986, when Maslach developed a survey for its study with 3 subscales that include the symptoms generated by exhaustion and chronic labor stress. Health workers are especially vulnerable to the development of this syndrome, which is greater centers with exposure to patients with severe and/or chronic ailments. Thus, the mental structure maturity level with which the individual functions takes relevance, since it is linked to the quality of judgment of the clinician. Few studies consider this aspect because of the complexity of having the instruments and professionals to assess it. It has been questioned whether Burnout or this occupational exhaustion damages the quality of life of the individual, and if it also negatively impacts their work performance, and the quality of care provided to patients. Methods: Observational, cross-sectional and correlational study. It analyses the relationship between Burnout and the characteristics of the mental-structural functioning level in oncology staff, and its association with the level of functionality of the mental structures within the work environment. Prior validation of the instrument was conducted, FIAD-15, with acceptable Alpha of 0.81. Results: Data were obtained from 1,060 subjects, including administrative, nursing and medical members of the Oncology Service staff, as well as, students. Out of these, 1,036 subjects answered the questionnaire appropriately and were considered in the analysis. 413 (39.86%) presented Burnout. The prevalence was higher in men (45.17%) than in women (34.56%). A significant association was found between Burnout frequency and levels of mental functioning. On the functionality of the mental structures, 80% had functional, high and intermediate levels, while 20% of the total population showed a borderline level of functionality (severe). In women, Burnout frequency was higher in borderline levels, followed by those of functional and high level. In men, Burnout was higher in those at the borderline level, followed by functional and intermediate; it was much lower in high level subjects. Conclusions: The mental structure functionality levels found in the oncology staff are associated with Burnout; which is lower in men with structures with high functionality and in women in the intermediate level. Subjects with borderline structures suffer greater Burnout. Further studies should be carried out to support these findings in the future and open new lines of research.