Impact of Incivility and Self-Compassion on Burnout in Healthcare Workers

Abstract

BACKGROUND: There is a large body of literature discussing CS, BO and STS in physicians, residents, medical students and nurses. Mid-level providers (MLPs) have not previously been assessed. Incivility has correlated to burnout in other professions, but not been assessed in a healthcare environment. Other constructs of psychological flexibility have rarely been evaluated. METHODS: A survey was sent to 501 MLPs. One hundred fifty-five completed the survey. The survey included: demographics, the Professional Quality of Life Scale, the Self Compassion Scale (SCS), the Perceived Stress Scale, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Interpersonal Reactivity Index, the Resilience Scale, the Workplace Incivility Scale, and the Health Provider Shame Scale. RESULTS: Approximately 38% of respondents fulfilled criteria for BO and 20% reported a high degree of incivility in the workplace. Residents and staff physicians were identified most often as the culprits. Significant predictors of BO included: SCS (β=−0.203, P=.04), incivility (β=0.233, P=.003), and perceived stress score (β=0.159, P=.001). DISCUSSION: Perceived incivility in the workplace can significantly impact BO, STS, and a decrease in CS in health care workers. The lack self-compassion increases individual's risk for BO. Programs to decrease burnout must look at not only how we relate to others, but how we relate to ourselves.