Influence of Teamwork on Wellbeing And Emotional Exhaustion of Staff in German Rehabilitation Clinics

Abstract

In the context of high prevalence rates of mental and psychosomatic disorders in the medical staff, emotional exhaustion and wellbeing are often considered as important indicators. Teamwork can have a positive influence on wellbeing of staff members. In the sector of rehabilitation, however, this is not sufficiently investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate aspects of teamwork as predictors of wellbeing and emotional exhaustion in staff at rehabilitation clinics in Germany. Data was collected in 10 rehabilitation clinics, 9 of them could be included in the data analysis (n=306, 70% female, 68% age 40-59). Data was analyzed with multiple linear regression analyses. Staff reported moderate rates of emotional exhaustion and good rates of overall wellbeing. Results of the regression analysis show that cohesion (β=0.27, p<0,001), team organization (β=0.19, p<0,01) and age (β=0.13, p<0,05) could predict wellbeing (F[3, 244]=19.38, p<0,05). Emotional exhaustion was predicted by cohesion (β=- 0.37, p<0,001, F[1, 244]=39.19). Consequences of interpersonal andstructural aspects of teamwork are discussed as well as the potential relevance of interventions to improve teamwork, in order to enhance wellbeing and counteract emotional exhaustion of staff members.