Understanding Burnout in Healthcare Professionals: Risk Factors for Medical Doctors and Nurses

Occupational burnout is a psychological response to work-related stress. It is important to understand why healthcare professionals (HCPs) are more susceptible to burnout. Current burnout interventions are beneficial in the short-term, aiding the development of coping skills to manage stressors. However, it is well-recognised that they seldom support the unique needs of individuals. Understanding the risk factors for burnout and exploring how interventions work for different groups is needed to offer effective support. This would help to consider how services can improve their response to burnout to sustain a healthy workforce.

Chapter one provides a systematic review of the literature, exploring whether factors relating to racial-ethnic identity influence how much HCPs experience burnout. Twenty observational studies were identified which examined racial-ethnic related factors and burnout at a single timepoint, of which some also assessed workplace mistreatment. The narrative synthesis indicated that the role of racial-ethnic factors is inconclusive. This aligns with the diverse experiences of underrepresented groups reported in the wider literature. Future research could explore the intersections of individual and sociocultural factors on burnout to provide more supportive and inclusive workplaces to mitigate burnout.

Chapter two reports an empirical study which examined whether different burnout subtypes could predict treatment responses to the Mind Management Skills for Life (MMSFL) programme. Pre-existing data from trials with HCPs in the National Health Service (NHS) identified 12 subtypes using the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory. Results showed subtypes did not influence outcomes; however, subgroups of professionals experienced more severe burnout at the start and end of the intervention. Based on the findings, it is not possible to personalise the MMSFL programme at this stage. Future research should confirm if findings replicate across larger and more diverse samples. Methodological issues and clinical and research implications are discussed for the systematic review and empirical study.