High Depersonalization Research Articles

Burnout in Assisted Reproduction Professionals: The Influence of Stressors in the Workplace

Background/Objectives: Most of the research in assisted reproduction has focused on the stressful situation experienced by women or couples looking for a desired pregnancy; however, the stress experienced by assisted reproduction professional teams is seldom studied. The present study aims to evaluate burnout and its relationship with workplace stressors among assisted reproduction professionals. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used to conduct an online self-assessment national survey, sent to all members of the Spanish Association for Fertility. The questionnaire contained sociodemographic and occupational questions about stressors in the workplace and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI-HSS) to assess the three subscales of burnout: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and personal accomplishment. Results: The percentages showing high emotional exhaustion and depersonalization in the whole sample were 41.8% and 43.2%, respectively. Additionally, low personal accomplishment was displayed in 42.6% of the respondents. Embryologists stand out for presenting the highest percentages of burnout (emotional exhaustion = 72.1%; depersonalization = 48.1%; low personal accomplishment = 48.1%), whilst psychologists showed the lowest percentages in high emotional exhaustion (32.3%) and depersonalization (24%), and gynecologists in low personal accomplishment (28.5%). Working under pressure was the stressor most experienced by the sample (76.6%) and the one that better predicted the three subscales of burnout. Conclusions: This study highlights the close relationship between high levels of burnout and workplace stressors and shows the need to reduce workplace stressors to improve the well-being of professionals working in assisted reproduction, and, consequently, that of the patients they look after.

Unique and cumulative effects of different subtypes of sleep problems on burnout among Chinese nurses

ObjectiveTo investigate the unique and cumulative associations of different sleep problem subtypes with burnout among Chinese nurses.MethodsA survey was conducted in Quanzhou, China, and a total of 744 nurses were included. Burnout was measured by Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey across three dimensions: emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP) and low personal accomplishment (PA). Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to measure 15 types of sleep problems. Binary logistic regression was employed to explore the association between sleep problems and burnout.ResultsPrevalence of sleep problems, high EE, high DP and low PA were 43.3, 6.9, 23.4, and 63.2%, respectively. Experience of sleep problems significantly increased risk for EE (OR = 1.31, 95%CI: 1.185–1.436), DP (OR = 1.08, 95%CI: 1.023–1.142) and PA (OR = 1.09, 95%CI: 1.036–1.146). Of the 15 sleep problem subtypes, “feel too cold” and “have pain” were significant predictors of high EE (OR = 3.89, 95%CI: 1.629–9.302; OR = 3.00, 95%CI: 1.314–6.827, respectively), and “daytime dysfunction” significantly predicted low PA (OR = 1.68, 95%CI: 1.135–2.491). Around 40.9% of nurses had reported more than three subtypes of sleep problems. Experiencing more than three subtypes of sleep problems were significantly associated with an increased risk of DP and PA (ORs range from 2.07 to 2.71).ConclusionThese findings suggested that sleep problems was associated with an increased risk of burnout in nurses, with both unique and cumulative risks. Interventions should focus on the prevention and management of the effects of sleep problems among nurses.

Burnout among the non-government secondary school teachers in Bangladesh: Prevalence, causes and effects

Nowadays, psychological burnout is prevalent in all professions. The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence, causes, and consequences of burnout among non-government school teachers in Panchagarh. This study used an explanatory sequential mixed approach. A stratified random selection methodology was employed to pick 25 schools, and 242 teachers were chosen using a simple random sample procedure. Finally, a purposive sample technique was used to select 15 teachers. Data was acquired using a standardized questionnaire and in-depth interviews. The Maslach Burnout Inventory-Educator Survey (MBI-ES) was used to assess the prevalence of burnout. Data was analyzed by descriptive statistics and thematic analyses. The study found a high prevalence of burnout in non-government school teachers in Panchagarh, with 48.35% experiencing high emotional exhaustion, 51.24% high depersonalization, and 45.04% low personal accomplishment. Also, the study found that low salary are the most contributing factor to burnout. Furthermore, 78.6% of respondents agreed that teacher burnout has negative effects on student academic achievement. Finally, the presence of teacher burnout in education is a challenging issue, as it negatively affects every aspect of the learning and teaching process. This study has implications for policymakers to develop plans to reduce teacher burnout and enhance teachers’ overall well-being.

Process Groups for Supporting Resident Wellbeing: Factors Influencing Resident Wellness amid the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: Burnout is a well-recognized problem among resident physicians. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the dynamics of the patient/resident relationship and introduced new stressors for medical trainees, such as new restrictions in the hospital, increased patient death, and uncertainty around safety. There is limited research on the implementation of group therapy for residents to address issues of wellbeing and burnout during the pandemic. Method: In response to perceived burnout amongst internal medicine residents, a university-based internal medicine residency program in the Northeast United States implemented process groups, a form of group therapy, in the curriculum. These sessions were held hourly once every five weeks for each cohort of twelve residents during the academic year. We sought to measure resident burnout and identify themes that impacted wellbeing to facilitate the intervention of process groups during the pandemic. In 2021 and 2022, internal medicine residents were invited to complete the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and answer two open-ended questions about the factors that most negatively and positively influenced their wellness. Results: Of the 134 participants, 82% had high emotional exhaustion or depersonalization. The most prevalent themes hindering wellness were negative personal interactions at work, most notably rude behavior by patients, unsupportive attendings, residency program expectations, and work intensity. Findings unique to the pandemic include social isolation from family, distress from poor outcomes, and fear of contracting or spreading the virus. The most prevalent themes for supporting wellness were personal life, camaraderie, professional satisfaction, and program structured support. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that programs can tailor structured support to improve wellness, despite the presence of significant stressors.

Burnout syndrome among orthopedic surgeons: a systematic review and meta-analysis of worldwide data

Burnout syndrome has been associated with serious consequences for healthcare providers and healthcare systems. Orthopedic surgeons, as professionals in a specialty that is physically and mentally demanding, commonly experience high-stress work circumstances. We aimed to identify and assess the burden of burnout syndrome among orthopedic surgeons. This study was conducted in accordance with the guidelines and recommendations of the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) 2020. Studies were shortlisted by searching PubMed, EBSCO, Scopus, Web of Science through Clarivate, and Google Scholar using keywords and medical subject headings terms related to burnout syndrome and orthopedics. Rayyan-intelligent systematic reviews were used to manage citations and remove duplicates. We used review manager 5.4 for quantitative data synthesis. Our meta-analysis included data from 16 studies on 2,564 orthopedic physicians, and quantitative data synthesis revealed that the pooled prevalence of high emotional exhaustion (EE) was 34% (95% CI: 27%, 40%), that of high depersonalization (DP) was 39% (95% CI: 29%, 50%), that of low sense of personal accomplishment (PA) was 24% (95% CI: 17%, 31%), and that of overall burnout was 43% (95% CI: 33%, 53%). There was significant heterogeneity in all analyses. In conclusion, burnout syndrome shows varying prevalence across different countries. The development of preventive measures may be necessary to alleviate the high rates of burnout among orthopedic surgeons.

HELLO: a protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial to enhance interpersonal relationships and team cohesion among ICU healthcare professionals

BackgroundMental health symptoms among healthcare professionals (HCP) in intensive care units (ICUs) are a significant concern affecting both HCP well-being and patient care outcomes. Cross-sectional studies among members of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM) report up to 50% burnout rates. Determinants of burnout include communication, team cohesion, psychological support, and well-being promotion. We designed the 'Hello Bundle' intervention to mitigate burnout among ICU-HCPs by fostering positive social interactions and a supportive work environment. This justification synthesizes evidence from social psychology, positive psychology, and healthcare communication research to support the intervention. The 'Hello Bundle' aims to enhance interpersonal relationships, improve team cohesion, and reduce burnout rates. The six components include: Hello campaign posters, email reminders, integrating greetings in morning huddles, hello jars, lead-by-example initiatives, and a daily updated hello board in each ICU. This protocol describes a cluster randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention.MethodsThis protocol describes a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted among ESICM-affiliated ICUs, consisting of at least 73 clusters with in average of 50 respondents per cluster, totaling approximately 7300 participants. Intervention clusters will implement the 6-component Hello Bundle between October 14 and November 10, 2024, while control clusters will be wait-listed to receive the intervention in January 2025 after the RCT concludes. Clusters will be matched based on ICU size (fewer or more than 20 beds), region, and average 2023 mortality. The primary outcome is the proportion of HCPs with burnout between intervention and control clusters at the end of the intervention. Secondary outcomes include comparing the following between clusters: (1) number of HCPs with high emotional exhaustion; (2) number with high depersonalization; (3) number with loss of accomplishment; (4) perception of ethical climate (5) satisfaction at work (VAS); (6) professional conflicts; (7) intention to leave the ICU (VAS); (8) patient-centered care rating; (9) family-centered care rating. The last secondary outcome is the comparison of burnout rates before and after the intervention in the intervention cluster. Outcomes will be based on HCP reports collected within four weeks before and after the intervention.DiscussionThis is the first large trial of healthcare communication, social, and positive psychology intervention among ICU-HCPs. It holds the potential to provide valuable insights into effective strategies for addressing burnout in ICU settings, ultimately benefiting both HCPs and patients.Trial registration: This trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.Gov on June 18, 2024. Registration: NCT06453616.

Burnout and resilience among physical therapy students: a cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to examine the prevalence of burnout, determine burnout-related factors, investigate resilience levels, and assess the relationship between burnout and resilience among physical therapy (PT) students at King Saud University (KSU) in Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study involved 153 PT students studying at KSU between January and March 2023. The participants completed an online questionnaire, a Maslach Burnout Inventory, and a Brief Resilience Scale. Low-to-moderate levels of Emotional Exhaustion (EE) were observed in 85% of the participants and high Depersonalization (DP) levels were reported by 34.2%. Female participants reported higher levels of EE and DP, whereas males had a greater prevalence of low Personal Achievement (PA) levels. Approximately 6.5% of the study participants reported high burnout levels (a combination of high DP, high EE, and low PA). Academic stress, followed by sleeping difficulties and changes in the academic year structure, were the most important factors contributing to higher levels of burnout (75.2%, 56.9%, and 43.8%, respectively). Most study participants around (66.0%) reported normal resilience levels. A significant correlation was detected between resilience and 2 domains of burnout (DP and PA), with the correlation being negative and weak for DP and positive and moderate for PA. Overall, low-to-moderate levels of burnout were observed among the PT students who took part. Related factors that contributed to burnout were academic stress, sleeping difficulties, and academic year structure. A normal level of resilience was found to be significantly related to DP and PA but not to EE on the burnout subscales. Higher levels of resilience can be considered to play a protective role against burnout among PT students. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(4):343-354.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on burnout levels among healthcare workers: A comparative analysis of the pandemic period and post-pandemic period

Emotional burnout among physicians is a serious problem that can affect their health and the quality of medical care. This condition occurs when physicians experience excessive stress and pressure at work, often due to high demands and expectations imposed on them by patients. This study aims to assess the experience and factors associated with emotional burnout among health workers who deal with COVID-19-positive patients. The study population includes employees at the infectious diseases hospital and the inpatient clinical hospital examined using the Maslach Burnout Inventory. The prevalence of high emotional exhaustion among infectious diseases specialists and inpatient physicians was 51.2 ± 3.4 % and 43.3 ± 8.1 %, respectively. The prevalence of high depersonalization was 39.4 ± 7.9 % and 40.5 ± 8.1 %, respectively. Finally, the prevalence of reduced professional efficacy was 26.3 ± 7.1 % and 41.3 ± 8.3 %, respectively. The main burnout contributors were a heavy workload, a high risk of infection, the lack of protective equipment, insufficient social support, constant interaction with suffering patients, and work-life imbalance. To prevent burnout among health workers who deal with COVID-19-positive patients, it is best to create a working environment that is conducive to good physical and mental health, implement stress management courses, and provide employees with enough time for rest and recovery. These preventive measures will help to improve the quality of health care. The findings of the study can be utilized for the development of support programs for healthcare professionals, improvement of working conditions, and reduction of the risk of emotional burnout.

Adaptive Leadership and Burnout in Military Healthcare Workers During a Global Health Pandemic.

Occupational burnout among healthcare workers has continued to climb, impacting workforce well-being, patient safety, and retention of qualified personnel. Burnout in military healthcare workers, who have had the added stress of increased deployments, remains unknown. Although certain leadership styles have been associated with lower rates of burnout, the association between adaptive leadership and burnout in military healthcare has not previously been described. The aim of this study is to examine the role of adaptive leadership in burnout among military healthcare workers following the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A convenience sampling of military healthcare workers employed at a military medical treatment facility between March 2020 and March 2023 was anonymously surveyed using an online link, which included demographics, the Maslach-Burnout Inventory Health Services Survey (MBI-HSS), the Adaptive Leadership with Authority Scale, and the Pandemic Experiences and Perceptions Survey. Data were analyzed for associations. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed using MPlus 8.0, which included demographics, all three subscales that contribute to burnout (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment [PA]), adaptive leadership (indicated by a subscale mean), and COVID impact and COVID risk perception. Of the 365 participants analyzed, 88.5% had high emotional exhaustion, and 80.4% had high depersonalization. Burnout was significantly associated with adaptive leadership (r = -0.302, P < .001), COVID impact (r = 0.208, P < .001), and COVID risk perception (r = 0.174, P < .001). A total of 93.0% scored high in at least one subscale of the MBI-HSS (i.e., emotional exhaustion ≥27, depersonalization ≥10, or PA ≤33), although 78 (21.8%) met the complete definition of burnout, because of the overwhelmingly high levels of PA (77.8% reported high PA). In the SEM model, burnout was significantly and negatively predicted by adaptive leadership (b = -0.28, SE = 0.05, Standardized b = -0.31, P < .001). Burnout was also significantly and positively predicted by COVID impact (b = 0.25, SE = 0.09, Standardized b = 0.17, P = .028) and health professions' perception of risk (b = 0.15, SE = 0.07, Standardized b = 0.14, P = .008). Together, this model explained 17% of the total variance in health professions' reported burnout. The findings of burnout in this military healthcare worker population were higher than have previously been described in healthcare workers or other military personnel, and the significant associations between adaptive leadership and burnout suggest the protective role of adaptive leadership in healthcare systems to address burnout. Implementing adaptive leadership training or selecting leaders with more adaptive leadership skills may be beneficial in a health care system where employee burnout is prevalent, especially during periods stressed by adaptive problems. This may be especially important in military healthcare when active duty service obligations preclude attrition in the presence of additional stressors such as deployments and Federal Emergency Management Agency responses. Further research is needed to determine whether this intervention is successful at reducing healthcare burnout.

Learning environment and its relationship with quality of life and burn-out among undergraduate medical students in Pakistan: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThis study was conducted to determine the association between the learning environment, quality of life (QoL), and burn-out among students from selected public-sector and private-sector medical colleges in Lahore, Pakistan.DesignThis...

Prevalence of Academic Burnout Among Nursing Students: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Nursing students are prone to academic burnout (AB) as the result of frequent exposure to stressful situations. AB is associated with physical and mental health problems; thus, identifying the burden of AB is crucial for prevention. This review sought to estimate the global prevalence of AB among nursing students. PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, SciELO, CUIDEN, LILACS, and BASE databases were searched. The prevalence of AB was estimated using random effects meta-analysis. A total of 34 studies (n = 9,554 students) were included. The pooled prevalence of AB was 35% (95% CI [24%, 47%]; n = 23 studies), with the highest prevalence (58%) observed in Asia. The pooled prevalence of high emotional exhaustion, high depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment was 40%, 23%, and 30%, respectively. AB is more common than previously estimated among nursing students. Academic institutions should consider AB in their core curriculum. [J Nurs Educ. 2024;63(8):533-539.].

The Effects of a Structured Resiliency Program on Indicators of Burnout in Medical Residents

Because of the well documented burnout and stress experienced by medical residents, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Education (ACGME) has directed training programs to address these issues in their residents. The current study describes a resiliency enhancement program administered to residents from differing residencies. Method: Residents received group-based sessions focusing on awareness of stress reactions, mindfulness, cognitive coping skills and balancing life and work. All sessions were interactive. The training occurred over a 9-month time span. Residents provided informed consent so that data could be collected. The percentage of burnout was calculated based on one indicator (high emotional exhaustion, high depersonalization, or low personal accomplishment using the Maslach Burnout Scale). Standardized assessment instruments were administered at the beginning (September) and the end of the program (May) to assess the impact of the intervention. Residents were in training at a medium-sized academic medical center. They came from urology, internal medicine, emergency medicine and neurology training programs. Eighteen female and 51 male residents participated. Results: Baseline rates of burnout were as follows: urology residents, 89%; internal medicine, 73%; neurology, 50%; emergency medicine, 22%. There was a significant decrease in perceived stress for the overall group following the intervention. Residents who significantly improved on mindfulness measures also showed significant improvement on resiliency, stress, and personal accomplishment scores. Residents who significantly lowered perceived stress also lowered emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and increased resiliency and compassion satisfaction. Discussion: This study demonstrated that a resiliency enhancement program and data collection after IRB approval is feasible and effective during medical residency. Based on our analysis, mindfulness, and cognitive skills to reduce perceptions of stress seem to be critical components. Future research is necessary to identify elements of the program most relevant to specific residencies.

Attributes Associated with Burnout among Pediatric Residents in Training Hospitals of Central Visayas

This study focused on burnout among pediatric resident physicians in Central Visayas, exploring its association with various factors and coping strategies. The research objectives aimed to describe the socio-demographic profiles of respondents, assess burnout levels, analyze psychological distress, examine associations between socio-demographic factors and burnout/psychological distress, and identify burnout factors and coping strategies. The study utilized a cross-sectional design involving 80 pediatric residents, using the Maslach Burnout Inventory, Patient Health Questionnaire, and self-assessment questions. The analysis included mean, standard deviation, chi-square, and Fisher’s exact tests to explore associations and predictors of burnout. The findings revealed no incidence of burnout but indicated moderate emotional exhaustion, high depersonalization, and high personal accomplishment. The majority had experienced burnout in previous residency years. The top burnout factors were co-residents, conflicts, and consultants, while coping strategies included stress eating, exercise, and vacation leave. Psychological distress ranged from mild to severe, with anxiety and depression prevalent among certain groups. The study suggests the need for work-life balance training to address burnout incidents, particularly in developing economies like the Philippines. This recommendation aims to support the well-being of pediatric residents and improve their work-life balance.

Does attending to extremely poor clients increase the burnout of social workers?

ABSTRACT This study examines how working with extremely poor clients contributes to social worker burnout. Previous research has shown that the emotional labour social workers perform on a daily basis may have negative consequences such as job stress and burnout. Studies have also reported that clients’ poverty may increase these consequences through several mechanisms. Based on these findings, we hypothesised that social workers working with extremely poor clients will be more likely to burn out than those working with less poor clients. Data from a survey of Hungarian social workers in child and family welfare services were analysed using linear regression models. Burnout was measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) distinguishing three dimensions of burnout: emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, and personal accomplishment. Results show that working with extremely poor clients is not associated with higher emotional exhaustion and higher depersonalisation, but it significantly decreases the perceived level of personal accomplishment. This finding highlights the importance of addressing the significant chronic stress experienced by those working with the extremely poor, which exposes them to various mental and physical illnesses in the long term. The study also discusses the methodological implications of our findings on the applicability of the MBI.

The independent and interactive effects of changes in overtime and night shifts during the COVID-19 pandemic on burnout among nurses: a longitudinal study.

This study aimed to evaluate the independent and interactive effects of changes in overtime and night shifts on burnout among nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nurses working in an Italian university hospital (N=317) completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory in September 2019 and again in December 2020. Based on hospital administrative data, changes in overtime and night shifts in the same years were categorized into three groups each. Linear regressions were used to estimate 2020 burnout differences between exposure groups, controlling for 2019 burnout levels, demographic and work-related characteristics, and to test the interaction between the two exposures. Nurses in the onset of high overtime group had higher emotional exhaustion [4.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.74-6.92], depersonalization (2.10, 95% CI 0.49-3.71), and poor personal accomplishment (2.64, 95% CI 0.55-4.74) compared to stable low overtime nurses. Nurses in the increase in night shifts group had lower emotional exhaustion (-4.49, 95% CI -7.46- -1.52) compared to no night shift nurses. Interaction analyses revealed that this apparently paradoxical effect was limited to stable low overtime nurses only. Moreover, increases in night shifts were associated with higher depersonalization and poor personal accomplishment in nurses in the stable high overtime group. Increase in overtime is an independent risk factor for burnout among nurses, highlighting the need for specific regulations and actions to address it. Long-standing guidelines for the assignment of night shifts might have contributed to attenuate the impact of their increase on nurses' mental health.

Burnout due to Workload: Qualitative Study of Finance Unit Employees at XYZ Hospital Semarang

Hospitals, as critical and high-intensity work environments, often place significant pressure on employees. High workloads, such as long working hours, huge responsibilities, and tight time demands, can be the main factors that cause burnout. The purpose of this study is to determine the level of burnout in the financial unit at XYZ Hospital, determine the determinant factors, and find effective strategies to cope with and prevent the negative impact of burnout. This study uses a qualitative approach as a research model. The research subjects/informants in the research were groups that focused on employees in the financial unit. There were four subjects with female staff. The technique used in data collection is interviews. Data analysis uses several stages, including data reduction and conclusion. The study results show that most employees experience high levels of burnout. A high level of emotional exhaustion indicates that employees feel drained of energy and cannot deal effectively with work pressure. High depersonalization indicates a cold attitude towards colleagues and clients. In addition, low self-esteem suggests a lack of satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment at work.

Burnout in emergency physicians in Hong Kong—A cross‐sectional study on its prevalence, associated factors, and impact

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the prevalence of burnout, its underlying personal or occupational stressors, and impact on individual well‐being and patient care.DesignCross‐sectional survey.ParticipantsAll emergency physicians in the public and the private sector in Hong Kong.MethodSelf‐administered, anonymous, voluntary questionnaires were distributed in physical and electronic forms from April to June 2022. Burnout was assessed by the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Stressors were assessed by questions on demographic, occupational, and social background. Impact was assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9) for depression and questions on job satisfaction and self‐perceived patient care.ResultsThe response rate was 37.8% (n = 241). Prevalence of high overall burnout was 28.2% (n = 68), with 47.7% (n = 115) having high emotional exhaustion, 63.1% (n = 152) high depersonalization, and 56% (n = 135) low personal accomplishment. A higher burnout rate was observed in younger age, female, not married, job position (associate consultant, resident specialist, and higher trainee), working on shift duty, more night shifts, and consecutive shifts. Burnout is also associated with depression, suicidal idea, consideration of quitting, less job satisfaction, and less favorable patient care (p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionBurnout is prevalent in emergency physicians in Hong Kong, and its impact on individual well‐being and clinical care was evident. A higher burnout rate was observed in younger doctors and also fellows. Identified stressors such as shift pattern should be addressed and potentially improved. Further strategies should be explored to reduce burnout in our colleagues.

Burnout among community service doctors in South Africa.

Burnout in doctors is an important issue with far-reaching consequences. Community service doctors may be particularly vulnerable because of their specific roles (rural settings, junior positions and reduced supervision). This study aimed to determine the prevalence of burnout among community service doctors in South Africa (SA), the potential contributory and protective factors and the consequences thereof. This was a national study of community service doctors in SA. A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional study was performed. The Maslach Burnout Inventory was used to measure burnout. The online questionnaire also included demographic data, workplace and individual characteristics. Of the 208 community service doctors analysed, 89% and 94% had high emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation, respectively, while 97% had a low personal accomplishment. Mental illness, financial difficulties, unmanageable volume of patients and female gender were found to be potential contributory factors. Having manageable patient volumes, satisfaction with their decision to study medicine, talking to colleagues and feeling supported by healthcare facility management were among the significant potential protective factors. Significant potential consequences of burnout included: leaving the government sector, ever being diagnosed with a mental illness, using alcohol as a coping mechanism and possible current major depression. Burnout among community service doctors in SA is highly prevalent with significant potential consequences. There are a number of modifiable possible contributory and protective factors identified that may be targets for mental health interventions.Contribution:Healthcare burnout research is lacking in the African and specifically SA context. This void includes community service doctors.

Burnout and Quality of Work Life among Physicians during Internships in Public Hospitals in Thailand.

Physicians are exposed to occupational stress and burnout, which have been identified as contributing to a decrease in the quality of work life (QWL). Thailand's medical education program, consisting of a six-year curriculum with government tuition support followed by three years of internships, provides the context for this investigation. This study aimed to assess the QWL among intern physicians (IPs) in public hospitals and investigated the association between burnout and QWL. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 241 IPs in public hospitals in Thailand utilizing an online self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire included a Thai version of a 25-item QWL scale and the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey for Medical Personnel. Data analysis was performed using multivariable logistic regression. A significant proportion of IPs experienced low to moderate QWL (72.6%), with low levels of home-work interface (39.4%) and employee engagement (38.6%). In the exploratory model, after adjusting for sex and age, IPs with high depersonalization and low personal accomplishment demonstrated an association with low QWL (adjusted OR, aOR 2.08, 95% CI 1.01 to 4.31; aOR 2.74, 95% CI 1.40 to 5.39). Healthcare organizations should regularly assess intern physicians' QWL and burnout, prioritizing interventions; ensure reasonable work hours, schedule adjustments, and open communication; and develop support systems for cost-effective interventions. Further research on the dynamic relationship between burnout and QWL is crucial for targeted and culturally sensitive interventions.

The effects of a resiliency intervention program on indicators of resiliency and burnout in psychiatry residents

Studies have documented the stress and burnout related to medical residency and the need to design programs to reduce burnout. This study evaluates the effectiveness of an intervention for psychiatric residents to improve resiliency and reduce burnout. A six-session program was offered that included mindfulness, self-regulation, and coping strategies. The program was approved by the Institutional Review Board. Standardized assessment tools measuring perceived stress, mindfulness, professional quality of life, burnout and resiliency were used pre and post program. Burnout was defined based on any one of the three criteria for burnout: high emotional exhaustion, high depersonalization or low personal accomplishment. Six one-hour sessions were offered to residents during protected time during the academic year. Analysis compared residents who met and did not meet criteria for burnout pre and post program. Twenty-seven residents provided informed consent, and 23 had complete data on the indicators of burnout. Seven of 23 met criteria for burnout and those significantly reduced their perceived stress, emotional exhaustion, burnout and increased their mindfulness scores post program (p < 0.05). The residents who improved their mindfulness scores post program significantly improved resiliency, reduced secondary traumatic stress and perceived stress (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the scores of residents who did not meet criteria for burnout. Residents experiencing burnout significantly improved indicators of burnout, while those not reporting burnout did not worsen. Mindfulness was an important component of this program since residents gaining in mindfulness skills also reduced scores on indicators of burnout post program.