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COVID-19

Burnout Prevalent Among Healthcare Workers Despite Resilience and Mindfulness

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers from the University of Southern Alabama have conducted a study to evaluate employee burnout, work conditions, resilience, and mindfulness among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study surveyed employees from August 2020 to January 2021 at an academic medical center in a US medically underserved region. The results showed that despite having high levels of personal accomplishment, resilience, and mindfulness, 62% of the respondents exhibited burnout symptoms, as measured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI).

Key Takeaways:

  • The study surveyed 655 healthcare workers, mostly White women providers, aged 50 years and younger, who worked in inpatient wards, emergency departments, or intensive care units.
  • The respondents had high mean MBI emotional exhaustion (35 ± 12) and moderate MBI depersonalization (12 ± 6), despite high MBI personal accomplishment (43 ± 8).
  • The study found that burnout was prevalent despite substantial personal accomplishment, resilience, and mindfulness, with 62% of respondents exhibiting burnout symptoms.
  • Older age was associated with a higher intention to stay in their present job, with a coefficient of 1.1 (±0.1, P < 0.001).
  • The study concluded that burnout is a significant concern among healthcare workers, despite efforts to promote resilience and mindfulness.

Statistics:

  • 62% of respondents exhibited burnout symptoms, as measured by the MBI.
  • 68% of respondents were willing to stay in their present job.
  • The mean MBI emotional exhaustion score was 35 (± 12).
  • The mean MBI depersonalization score was 12 (± 6).
  • The mean MBI personal accomplishment score was 43 (± 8).

Sources:

  • Burnout, Resilience, and Mindfulness In Healthcare Workers In a Medically Underserved Region During the Covid-19 Pandemic. Southern Medical Journal, 2023;116(11):888-896.
  • Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Southern Medical Journal. Available at: journals.lww.com/smajournalonline/pages/default.aspx
  • NewsRx. Researchers from University of Southern Alabama Describe Findings in COVID-19 (Burnout, Resilience, and Mindfulness In Healthcare Workers In a Medically Underserved Region During the Covid-19 Pandemic). Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA. November 26, 2023; p 477.

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