Factors associated with work-related burnout in NHS staff during COVID-19: a cross-sectional mixed methods study.
BMJ Open
; 11(1): e042591, 2021 01 28.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1054682
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES:
To measure work-related burnout in all groups of health service staff during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify factors associated with work-related burnout.DESIGN:
Cross-sectional staff survey.SETTING:
All staff grades and types across primary and secondary care in a single National Health Service organisation.PARTICIPANTS:
257 staff members completed the survey, 251 had a work-related burnout score and 239 records were used in the regression analysis. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOMEMEASURES:
(1) Work-related burnout as measured by the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory; (2) factors associated with work-related burnout identified through a multiple linear regression model; and (3) factors associated with work-related burnout identified through thematic analysis of free text responses.RESULTS:
After adjusting for other covariates (including age, sex, job, being able to take breaks and COVID-19 knowledge), we observed meaningful changes in work-related burnout associated with having different COVID-19 roles (p=0.03), differences in the ability to rest and recover during breaks (p<0.01) and having personal protective equipment concerns (p=0.04). Thematic analysis of the free text comments also linked burnout to changes in workload and responsibility and to a lack of control through redeployment and working patterns. Reduction in non-COVID-19 services has resulted in some members of staff feeling underutilised, with feelings of inequality in workload.CONCLUSIONS:
Our analyses support anecdotal reports of staff struggling with the additional pressures brought on by COVID-19. All three of the factors we found to be associated with work-related burnout are modifiable and hence their effects can be mitigated. When we next find ourselves in extraordinary times the ordinary considerations of rest and protection and monitoring of the impact of new roles will be more important than ever.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Burnout, Professional
/
Workload
/
Health Personnel
/
Professional Role
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Qualitative research
/
Randomized controlled trials
Limits:
Adolescent
/
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
/
Young adult
Country/Region as subject:
Europa
Language:
English
Journal:
BMJ Open
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Bmjopen-2020-042591
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