Assessment of the condition of psychic health of French firefighters: Burnout.

To date, there has been little research on burnout in firefighters despite the acknowledged impact of occupational stress on both individuals and society. According to a survey conducted by the French National Research and Security Institute, the annual cost to society of occupational stress in France is 2-3 billion euros. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of occupational burnout in a large and representative sample of French firefighters. A nationwide survey was conducted in 2021, targeting all categories of firefighters (except for military firefighters in Paris and Marseille) both in metropolitan France and in its overseas departments and territories. This survey came in two parts: questions eliciting basic sociodemographic and job-related data, followed by the Burnout Assessment Tool which assesses the intensity of job-related burnout. We collated results for 3038 firefighters: 2418 men (79.59%), 619 women (20.38%), and 1 gender neutral (0.03%). Findings revealed that while 2455 respondents (80.8%) did not meet the criteria for burnout, 345 (11.4%) reported mild/moderate symptoms of burnout, and 238 (7.8%) could be deemed to have severe burnout symptoms. Further research is warranted into the causes of burnout and its prevention in this specific population.

[Identification and transfer movements among caregivers in neonatal and pediatric intensive care]. / Les mouvements d'identification et de transfert chez les soignants en réanimation néonatale et pédiatrique.

Acute care in neonatal and pediatric intensive care units calls into play transferential and identificatory movements in caregivers. To combat burnout and protect themselves from this potentially frightening clinic, they implement defense and sublimation mechanisms.

[The operating room, at the center of the danger]. / Le bloc opératoire, au cœur du danger.

Cardiac anesthesiologists face a demanding and stressful practice that requires a sense of well-being at work that is essential to patient safety and quality of care. Like all cardiac caregivers, they are exposed to the death of the people they care for and must nevertheless overcome the difficulties associated with the management of heavy patients.

["Breaking the Silence Barrier", a simulation program to address psychological distress]. / "Briser la barrière du silence", un programme de simulation pour adresser la détresse psychologique.

Although several strategies have been developed to support medical students during their studies in order to prevent burnout, depression and suicide, not all of them are equally effective. Simulation is an interesting strategy: it gives students the tools to detect and intervene in signs of distress in their colleagues, and helps them break the barrier of silence in the face of psychological distress.

Burnout prevalence and associated factors in a sample of Lebanese residents.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the prevalence of burnout in a sample of Lebanese residents, and to identify its correlates and risk factors compared to local and international data. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the end of the academic year 2018-2019, between the months of April and July, and targeted residents enrolled at Saint Joseph University, Faculty of Medicine (USJ- FM), in Beirut, Lebanon. Data was gathered via an anonymous online survey which was sent to all the residents through the Faculty administration on their personal email addresses. The questions dealt with demographic and mental health data. The Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) was used to measure burnout. RESULTS: 25.7% of the residents responded to the survey, two thirds of whom were female. 72.22% of the respondents suffered from personal burnout whereas as 77.78% suffered from work-related burnout. Only 26.39% residents were concerned with patient-related burnout. Money and professional problems were associated with burnout whereas suicidal thoughts were correlated with higher scores. Alcohol consumption was negatively correlated with CBI. CONCLUSION: The surveyed residents suffered from burnout which was mainly related to personal and occupational factors. Burnout was not an isolated entity; it should be considered as a whole and described as a subjective experience that varies from one person to another and results from complex biological, psychological and social interactions. It has consequences on the victims' health and quality of life.

[Burnout syndrome in hemodialysis health workers in Cameroon: Prevalence and associated factors]. / Prévalence et facteurs associés au syndrome d'épuisement professionnel chez le personnel de santé des centres d'hémodialyse au Cameroun.

BACKGROUND: Hemodialysis medical staffs usually work in a stressful environment. In low resource countries, professional conditions are worse and can lead to burnout syndrome. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of burnout syndrome and its associated factors in hemodialysis health care workers in Cameroon. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross sectional study in all hemodialysis centers from Cameroon between January to August 2017. The Maslach Burnout Inventory was used for assessment of burnout level. Burnout syndrome was defined as the presence of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization or decreased professional achievement. RESULTS: A total of 92 health workers (women 60%; n=55) among 105 identified were recorded. The median age was 42 years. Most of the workers were nurses (78.5%) and 8.5% were nephrologists. Burnout syndrome was found in 76 (82.6%) workers, 35 (38%) had emotional exhaustion, 44 (48%) depersonalization and 57 (62%) decreased professional achievements. Burnout was significantly more prevalent in overcrowded centers (100% vs. 47%; P<0.001). Hemodialysis position<5 years was less prevalent in participants with emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. Desire to change position (OR 19.61 [2.074-185.4]; P=0,009) was associated with burnout syndrome. CONCLUSION: Burnout syndrome is very common among Cameroonian hemodialysis medical staff. Improvement of work conditions, limiting posting in hemodialysis to less than 5 years and change of position when requested may be potential preventive measures.

[Psychological effects of emergency calls management on medical dispatcher assistants in a SAMU-Center 15]. / Répercussions psychologiques de la prise en charge des appels d'urgence sur les assistants de régulation médicale (ARM) d'un SAMU­Centre 15.

INTRODUCTION: In France, the emergency call center is called SAMU (service d'aide médicale d'urgence). The Medical Dispatcher Assistant (MDA) is the first responder and is exposed to first calls of distress and has a high risk of stress disorder. AIM: Psychological impact of emergency calls on MDA. METHOD: National multicenter prospective study from January to August 2018 by electronic surveys, including all MDA of 13 SAMU, subdivided in 5 sections: population characteristics, PCL-5 scale (DSM-5) assessing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), ProQOL assessing professional quality of life, call categories and an MDA's emotional perception, and work impacts on an MDA's quality of life. Univariate descriptive statistical analysis of the group with PCL-5≥34 (=complete PTSD group) and with PCL-5<34 (=group without complete PTSD). RESULTS: Of 400 MDA asked to be interviewed, 283 (71 %) replied of whom 72 % (205) were women and 28 % (79) men. Age groups: 9 % (25) for 18-25 yrs, 39 % (110) for 26-35 yrs, 31 % (89) 36-45 yrs, 15 % (43) 46-55 yrs and 6 % (16) for more than 56 yrs. All MDA reported having been exposed to death experience. For 46 % (129) the most recent traumatic event occurred within the last 7 months. 78 % (219) have reported intense fear, feeling helpless, or even sensed horror when answering the calls. 97 % (273) could talk about it with colleagues but only 64 % (180) with family. 72 % (203) felt lack of recognition at work. 78 % (220) had no knowledge about psycho-traumatic disorder. While 11 % (30) suffered symptoms suggestive of a complete PTSD, 15 % (42) an incomplete PTSD, 3 % (8) suffer burnout and 4 % (11) compassion fatigue, none reported secondary traumatic stress. The only significant difference (P<0.05) between the two groups characteristics was on the education level. 74 % (22) of the MDA with a complete PTSD had a High School diploma or less. MDA with symptoms suggestive of complete PTSD developed significantly (P<0.001) more stress reduction strategies (alcohol, drugs, medication) (13 % vs 2 %), had more food disorders (80.5 % vs 38 %), more sleeping problems (75.5 % vs 21 %), more anxiety (67 % vs 17 %), and more sick leaves (13 % vs 4 %) than the group without complete PTSD. CONCLUSION: Part of the surveyed MDAs showed symptoms suggestive of PTSD. The study highlights that MDAs is a vulnerable population, and PTSD prevention techniques should be systematically implemented for them. The study also highlights that a higher education level prevents the psycho traumatic process with its accompanying disorders.

[Defining and understanding the burn out of gerontological caregivers]. / Définir et comprendre le burn out des soignants exerçant en gérontologie.

The malaise in the gerontology sector can be accounted for and new explanations for caregiver burnout can be proposed. Through a review of the literature, an overview of the issue can be drawn up and a theoretical and clinical reflection can be initiated. After having contextualized the extent of the phenomenon, we will present the plural conceptions of burn out and its origin. A new look will be taken at this syndrome by raising a set of factors potentially involved in the exhaustion of caregivers.

The prevalence, determinants and the role of empathy and religious or spiritual beliefs on job stress, job satisfaction, coping, burnout, and mental health in medical and surgical faculty of a teaching hospital: A cross-sectional survey.

OBJECTIVE: Systematically ascertained data on job stress and burnout and their antecedents and mediators in health professionals from low- and middle-income countries are scant. METHODS: This cross sectional survey, conducted from July 2007 to August 2008, of consenting medical and surgical faculty of a large, charitable, teaching hospital aimed to evaluate: 1) the prevalence and sources of job stress and job satisfaction, and the ways used to cope with stress; 2) the prevalence of burnout and mental distress; and 3) the influence of age, gender, empathy and religious or spiritual beliefs on job stress, satisfaction, mental health and burnout. RESULTS: Of 345 respondents, high job stress on the Physician Stress and Satisfaction questionnaire were reported by 23%. However, 98% of faculty reported high levels of job satisfaction with deriving intellectual stimulation from teaching and a high level of responsibility identified as important contributory sources. Significantly more respondents aged<45 years compared to older faculty achieved moderate or high scores on Emotional Exhaustion and Depersonalization. General Health Questionnaire-12 scores suggested psychiatric morbidity in 21%, particularly in younger faculty. High job stress was associated with high scores for Emotional Exhaustion and Depersonalization. High scores on the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy correlated with high scores of Emotional Exhaustion. Religious or spiritual beliefs strongly influencing attitudes to work were significantly associated with high levels of Personal Accomplishment. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides data that will inform the design and implementation of interventions to reduce job stress and burnout and improve retention of faculty.

Burnout syndrome and associated factors among university teaching staff in Cameroon: Effect of the practice of sport and physical activities and leisures.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiology of burnout syndrome among university teaching staff in Cameroon; and to establish if the practice of physical activities and leisures could have preventive effect. METHODS: A cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire on socio-demographic characteristics, socio-professional conditions, Maslach Burnout Inventory-Educator Survey (MBI-ES) to evaluate burnout syndrome, and Ricci-Gagnon metrics to assess level of physical activities practice among grades of teaching staff, in the various faculties of the University of Douala, Cameroon. RESULTS: Three hundreds and three teaching staff members aged 43±7 years were included (69% males). The prevalence of burnout syndrome was 68%, distributed within the three dimensions as follows: emotional exhaustion (15.2%), depersonalization (32.1%) and loss of personal accomplishment (22.1%), with 57% low level, 38% moderate and 6% severe. Burnout affected respectively 55.4% lecturers, 38.3% senior lecturers and 6.3% professors. Burnout was significantly associated with poor working conditions (P=0.0001), unsatisfactory salary (P=0.0001), part time teaching in private university institutions (P=0.027), sensation of strenuous job (P=0.002), conflict with colleagues (P=0.028), sedentariness (P=0.007). Sport and physical activities showed significant protective effect against burnout (P=0.004), the same with leisures (P=0.016). CONCLUSION: The prevalence burnout syndrome is high among university teaching staff in Cameroon. The practice of sport and physical activities and leisures has a protective effect against burnout syndrome.

[Symptoms and characteristics of burnout]. / Symptômes et caractéristiques du burn out.

For several years, the use of the term 'burnout' has been applied to clinical situations inappropriately and often excessively. The complexity of the approach to work related stress could explain this. It is important to understand the clinical bases which constitute this occupational exhaustion syndrome.

[Work related stress in caregivers]. / La souffrance au travail chez les soignants.

Health professionals have to endure the full force of the fast paced and sometimes paradoxical transformations of care facilities. Economic reasoning, standardisation and industrial management now govern the work of caregivers. They are sources of stress and destabilisation whereas caring is first and foremost an act of humanity.

[Difficulties and stress of the anaesthetist-intensive care doctor]. / Difficultés et souffrance du médecin anesthésiste-réanimateur.

Anaesthetist-intensive care doctors are trained and experienced in stress management. However, they experience, in their complex professional practice, productivity constraints which undermine their own values and their everyday practice. This is a feeling shared with other health professionals. Awareness of the issue must enable these doctors to regain the composure needed for practising their profession.

Prevalence of burnout, depression and job satisfaction among French senior and resident radiation oncologists.

PURPOSE: Cancer caregivers are at high risk of burn-out, with potential severe consequences on professionals' health and on patients' care. We have investigated the prevalence of burn-out and its impact in terms of psychological morbidity among French radiation oncologists. METHODS AND MATERIALS: An anonymous online questionnaire was advertised in all French senior radiation oncologists and residents, including demographical data, job-related stress factors, drug use, the Maslach Burn-out Inventory (MBI) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). RESULTS: The response rates were 37% (76 out of 204) for radiation oncologists and 22% (166 out of 751) for residents. Sixty-four (84%) radiation oncology residents and 104 (63%) radiation oncologists met criteria for moderate/severe burn-out (odd ratio 2.1 [95% confidence interval 1.0-4.8], P=0.03). Radiation oncology residents were more prone to depersonalization (P<0.001) and lower personal accomplishment (P<0.001). Burn-out was more frequent in radiation oncologists working for public facilities. Symptoms of depression (GHQ-12≥4) were reported by 42% of residents and 36% of radiation oncologists (P=0.40). Psychological morbidity, suicidal ideation and anxiolytic consumption were more frequent in burnt out responders. CONCLUSION: Our figures are in the highest range of published data. Active screening and prevention of burn-out should be implemented and particularly aimed at radiation oncology residents.

[When burnout sweeps into CMPs]. / Quand le burnout fait son entrée au CMP.

There have been significant changes in recent years in what psychiatrists are expected to accomplish in CMP [centre médicopsychologique (medical-psychological centre)] consultations. Back in the 1980s, most of the patients seen were psychotic. Then, all of a sudden, psychiatrists began to see a whole new category of cases at CMPs: patients who were exhausted and no longer able to do their jobs properly. This included a wave of civil servants affected by restructuring, followed by private sector employees. These days, most of those who consult for burnout are health workers.

[Burnout of caregivers in geriatrics, an overview and solutions]. / Usure professionnelle des soignants en gériatrie, état des lieux et solutions.

It is undeniable that working in the geriatric sector carries risks of exhaustion and burnout. Risk factors include confrontation with death, difficult working conditions and low prospects for career development. Ways to improve the situation include recruiting more staff members, providing them with better training and support, favouring career mobility and promotion and giving back meaning to the work carried out in geriatric care facilities.

[Occupational burnout, a reality for caregivers]. / Épuisement professionnel ou burn-out, une réalité soignante.

Occupational burnout corresponds to a state of thymic frailty linked to the work environment. It concerns all types of occupations but was initially associated with the caring professions (social, medical, etc.). Burnout is particularly prevalent in the geriatric sector where the caregiver's personal investment and confrontation with death are considerable.

[Occupational burnout in a nursing home]. / L'épuisement professionnel en Ehpad.

Working in a nursing home leads to specific problems for caregivers. For example, being confronted with an ageing body and a declining mind or enduring inadequate work organisations can cause occupational exhaustion and burnout. The quest for job satisfaction at work then becomes a challenge.

[The meaning of nursing work, a fragile collective construction]. / Le sens du travail infirmier, une construction collective fragile.

The meaning of nursing work depends on many personal, social and structural aspects: choices, standards, expectations, resources, training, team, management and organisation. It is a fragile construction, which must be re-examined every day to ensure nurses are not over-committed and to avoid burnout.

[Caring for those who care for us]. / Prendre soin de ceux qui nous soignent.

The AAPML is a French association offering support for health professionals and private practice doctors suffering from stress via a helpline. It provides information and training for health professionals and takes into account their engagement in the workplace.