Investigation of Precepting-related Burnout in Dietetics Preceptors

Abstract

BackgroundDietetics preceptors are at risk for abandoning the role of dietetic preceptor because of potential burnout. Identifying factors associated with greater and lesser burnout can help key stakeholders identify and implement strategies that prevent or mitigate burnout in dietetics preceptors. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with the burnout preceptors attribute specifically to the work of precepting. DesignThis study used a cross-sectional study design. A survey instrument including burnout measures, precepting measures, and items querying personal and work characteristics was distributed via email to a random sample of 10,000 credentialed dietetics professionals. Participants/settingRespondents who lived in the United States, were currently practicing, and had precepted during the past year were included in the sample (n=310). The survey was conducted in October and November of 2022. Main outcome measuresPrecepting-related burnout was measured using scores on the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, in which scores range from 0-100, with higher numbers indicating greater burnout. Statistical analyses performedFactors associated with precepting-related burnout were identified using an analysis of covariance. Pairwise comparisons with Tukey adjustments were done to determine differences across categories for the categorical variable in the model (percent of interns requiring additional coaching). A step-wise variable selection process was performed to determine the best analytic models. ResultsFactors associated with lower precepting-related burnout in dietetics preceptors include higher Commitment to the Preceptor Role (CPR) scores, lower percentages of interns requiring additional coaching, feeling appreciated by the dietetic intern, and higher Preceptors’ Perceptions of Support (PPS) scores. A factor associated with higher precepting-related burnout was precepting a greater number of dietetic interns in the past year. For every one-point change in each variable, the degree of change in precepting-related burnout was -7.9 for CPR, -3.2 for feeling appreciated by interns, -4.5 for PPS, and +1.2 for number of interns per year. The average difference in precepting-related burnout scores between preceptors who reported <10% interns requiring additional coaching and those who reported >50% interns requiring additional coaching was-13.7 (3.7). ConclusionsThe factors found to be associated with precepting-related burnout scores in dietetics preceptors are potentially modifiable, suggesting this burnout might be prevented or mitigated to some degree.