Job burnout among healthcare workers—The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The overall impact of pandemics on the healthcare sector has been substantial and multidimensional, presenting numerous challenges that have affected healthcare workers on various fronts. Pandemics, particularly the COVID-19 epidemic, caused destabilization in healthcare systems, creating complex challenges for both medical staff and patients. During the pandemic, healthcare professionals faced exceptionally difficult working conditions, such as increased workload, inadequate medical resources, and the pressure of making challenging moral decisions, for instance, related to the allocation of limited resources during a crisis. These factors increased the risk of occupational burnout—a state that may manifest as emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and decreased self-esteem and efficacy. Occupational burnout among healthcare workers is a highly significant phenomenon because it can directly impact the quality of care provided to patients. Higher levels of burnout are associated with an increased risk of medical errors, decreased work engagement, and reduced empathy in patient interactions. Additionally, individuals experiencing burnout may encounter reduced social support, further complicating the issue. Consequently, the negative consequences of occupational burnout can have a long-term impact on healthcare workers themselves, the quality of medical care, and patient-provider relationships. Therefore, managing the risk of burnout among medical staff becomes a crucial challenge not only for the mental health of healthcare workers but also for ensuring high-quality healthcare for society. Providing psychological support, proper human resource management, and promoting a healthy lifestyle among medical personnel are essential to alleviate the psychological burden on workers and ensure sustained, high-quality healthcare.