Preventing the Burnout Syndrome by Creating a Healthy & Healing Environment

Abstract

Occupational burnout is a significant global problem that has impacted clinical outcomes, patient safety, and patient-centered care across healthcare settings (World Health Organization) [WHO], 2019. The classic definition of burnout, as defined by Dr. Christina Maslach, is “a psychologic syndrome involving emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a diminished sense of personal accomplishment (Maslach & Jackson, 1982). Burnout affects cognitive, behavioral and emotional aspects of human behavior. It also interferes with how individuals process and interact with others at an individual and organizational level. Others have noted that burn-out individuals tend to focus on negative things rather than positive emotions (Bianchi & Laurent, 2015). Nurse and physician burnout was recognized before the COVID-19 pandemic as a growing problem. Evidence now suggests that more than 50% of nurses, physician assistants and physicians report syndromes of burnout. The problem has become even more pronounced when the work environment contributes stressors associated with technological advancements, EMRs, increased patient acuity, and financial cost cutting measures. It is now recognized that individuals and organizations burnout. As a public health issue, burnout and well-being are multifactorial and recognize that individuals and organizations contribute significant factors to the burnout syndrome. It appears that burnout rates are rising across specialties and settings resulting in increase of costs to individuals and organizations (National Academy of Medicine [NAM]), 2018. What is needed is a clear map to make decisions on clinical burnout. Healthcare workers (HCW) need confidential access to wellness activities, support systems and mental health consultation. A new model is needed to further refine the work-life balance and create a caring corporate culture. Healthcare leaders need to rethink how to support employees across disciplines when it comes to burnout and well-being.