Burnout and Physical Symptoms in Healthcare Professionals: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

AIM: The Burnout syndrome (BOS) generates sustained stress and an inability to cope with demands. The aims of this cross-sectional study were (1) to describe the prevalence of BOS; (2) to explore the relation of the BOS with physical symptoms; and (3) to determine the profile favouring the development of the BOS. DESIGN: A cross-sectional descriptive study. METHODS: The study was conducted among a sample of 759 healthcare professionals. Data on sociodemographic variables, physical symptoms, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, Cervical Disability Index and Numeric Pain Rating Scale were collected. RESULTS: The prevalence of BOS was high, since more than one out of two participants experienced the syndrome. Mild-moderate levels of burnout were the most prevalent, whilst a low percentage of healthcare professionals displayed signs of severe burnout. High Emotional Exhaustion was the most common dimension, followed by high Depersonalisation, and low levels of Personal Fulfilment. Roughly three out of four participants experienced muscle pain. A nurse of young age working in a hospital or an emergency department emerges as a specific vulnerable profile. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of BOS detected among healthcare professionals propels stakeholders to take proactive actions to prevent and revert this health condition, especially considering the profile of nurses at a young age working at a hospital or emergency department, since this specific profile is at a higher risk. The current study confirms the need to prevent and overcome BOS by means of developing and implementing multidimensional tailored interventions to decrease and/or revert symptoms, including psychological aspects associated with the syndrome itself, alongside decreasing unspecific muscle pain in the vertebral region. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: Gender is not a specific predictor of the development of BOS. Nurses usually show high Emotional Exhaustion and low Personal Fulfilment. The presence of BOS is also associated with muscle pain. Advocacy on prevention, assessment and screening of BOS in the field of healthcare is of paramount importance. IMPACT: Proactive actions shall be adopted to prevent and overcome BOS in healthcare professionals by means of developing and implementing multidimensional tailored interventions to decrease and/or revert symptoms including psychological aspects associated to the syndrome alongside decreasing unspecific muscle pain in the vertebral region.