Is burn-out-syndrome a problem among oncology workers? Incidence and effective tools to achieve improvement.

Abstract

11016 Background: Burn-Out Syndrome (BOS) is defined by (1) emotional and physical exhaustion; (2) cynicism and depersonalization; and (3) no personal nor professional fulfillment. It affects up to 78% of oncology-related workers (doctors, nurses and nurse-assistants, among others). This may decrease quality in both patient assistance and institutional processes. However, there is lack of resources for its diagnosis and management. Our objective is to: (1) determine the incidence of BOS in our team; (2) analyze potential causes; and (3) decrease in 20% the percentage of BOS affected workers. Methods: From October 2018 to November 2019, 20 nurses and nurse-assistants participated. Process map and Ishikawa fish-bone diagram were design to analyze BOS potential causes and to design appropriate interventions after Priority/pay-off matrix description. To do so, participants were asked to fulfill a personal detail questionnaire at the beginning, and adapted versions for the GHQ-12 and Maslach Index questionnaires after each intervention. To track the improvement process, a PDSA cycle was fulfilled and re-evaluated overtime. Project developed through the ASCO Quality Training Program and the Fundación ECO support. Results: Population main characteristics: 87% women, 47-year-old median age. 12 nurses, 6 working in the clinic. 90% with more than 5 years of experience in Oncology. At baseline, 75% healthy (GHQ-12), BOS cause risk: exhaustion 70%, depersonalization 45%, fulfillment 55%. Two interventions developed to improve exhaustion BOS risk: (1) ergonomy tips; and (2) self-assessment and self-help tools. 9 subjects lost after 2nd intervention. After interventions, 34% exhaustion risk reduction and 100% healthy workers (GHQ-12). Conclusions: After two interventions, we have achieved an improvement of 34% lowering the risk of suffering BOS among our workers. Health perception improved to 100%. The loss of 9 subjects after the 2nd intervention may be a bias when interpreting the final results. Giving the appropriate tools to medical oncology workers helps reduce BOS risk significantly