Burnout in Medical Oncology Staff: Confronting National Facts

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to reveal the prevalence of burnout syndrome among physicians, nurses and biologists working in oncology clinics in Turkey. Sociodemographic factors affecting burnout were revealed. The adequacy of institutional measures was questioned and their participation in solution proposals was examined. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectionally designed study aimed to reach all actively working medical oncology staff in Turkey. 323 of them agreed to participate in the study. Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was used to measure the burnout status of the participants. The scale consists of three subscales: Emotional Exhaustion (EE), depersonalizaiton (DP) and the sensation of reduced personal accomplishment (PA). Clinical burnout reduction solutions were also questioned. The burnout prevention questions were prepared. Statistical significance was considered, and all statistical tests were two-sided (p<0.05). Results: Of 323 participants, 38% were medical oncologists, 58% were nurses and 4% were biologists. The median age was 37±9 years. According to the MBI subscales, the mean±SD burnout levels of the oncology staff are 19.7±7.8 (high) for EE, 6.0±4.3 (moderate) for DP and 20.9±5.1 (high) for PA. Respondents under 41 age has higher risk. The participants who are having a hobby, good sleep pattern, making regular exercises has significantly lower burnout scores. Conclusion: Burnout syndrome was detected in more than half of oncology workers. Personal factors such as young age, family type, sleep, exercise and having a hobby affect burnout. Preventive measures and interventions are required for health workers