Effects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Nurse Mentors Using a Mentoring System for Reducing their Burnout

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to implement a staff training program based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to reduce burnout for mid-career nurses (hereafter, nurse mentors) and determine the effectiveness of the program. Methods: Participants comprised 52 nurse mentors working in an acute care hospital. The program consisted of three sessions. The first session was designed to understand stress and burnout among nurse mentors, and to determine counseling mindset and various counseling techniques. The second session attempted to acquire basic knowledge of CBT and understand interventions based on cognitive restructuring. The third session comprised a 15-minute lecture on intervention-based problem-solving techniques and psychological education that summarized the program, 75 minutes of group work. The primary outcome measure was assessed using the Knowledge Checklist of Cognitive Therapy for Nurses. The secondary outcome measures were assessed using the 20-item shortened version of the Active Listening Attitude Scale, the Communication Skills Scale, the Multidimensional Empathy Scale, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Results using the above measures were compared before, immediately after, and three months after the intervention. Results: Data of48 participants (5 male nurse mentors and 43 female nurse mentors) who responded to the questionnaire before, immediately after, and three months after the intervention were analyzed. The Friedman test was performed before, immediately after, and three months after the intervention, and knowledge of CBT, which was the primary outcome measure, significantly improved. In addition, the secondary outcome measures of burnout, “emotional exhaustion” and “depersonalization,” decreased, while "sense of personal accomplishment" improved. In addition, communication skills such as “deciphering ability” and “expressivity” improved. Conclusion: The staff training program based on CBT was effective in reducing nurse mentors’ burnout. Furthermore, the program was effective in improving their communication skills.