Burnout of Therapists

Abstract

The burnout syndrome is defined as a feeling of emotional and physical exhaustion coupled with a sense of frustration and failure. The common behavioral manifestations of burnout are described and possible antecedents detailed, including unrealistic goal setting and work overload. Mechanisms for coping with or preventing burnout are discussed and grouped into organizational and personal responses. Among these are recognition of the problem, reduction of overload, and acceptance of the fact that not all patients return to normal function.

Burnout in Orthopaedic Physical Therapists

“…Today's orthopaedic therapists may also experience these events. As a consequence of burnout, Wolfe (26) suggested that patients could be affected in at least three ways: decreased time devoted to each patient, inadequate treatment given to each patient, and failure to meet patient goals.…”

Examination of the Burnout Levels of Basketball Players in Terms of Gender, Age and Experience

“…The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was introduced in 1981 as a manner of measuring burnout as well as its components of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment (Maslach & Jackson, 1981). A number of variables contribute to a healthcare professional's risk of developing burnout including patient population type, work relationships, work schedule, time involved in profession, job attitudes, lack of control, lack of social support, lack of role clarity, difficult interactions with patients' families, work overload, low self-esteem, organizational dysfunction, and interdisciplinary conflict (Marshall & Kasman, 1980;Pines & Maslach, 1978;Schuster, Nelson, & Quisling, 1984;Wolfe, 1981). In the workplace, burnout may result in decreased job performance, decreased productivity, loss of concern for patients and withdrawal from work (Schuster et al, 1984;Wolfe, 1981).…”

“…A number of variables contribute to a healthcare professional's risk of developing burnout including patient population type, work relationships, work schedule, time involved in profession, job attitudes, lack of control, lack of social support, lack of role clarity, difficult interactions with patients' families, work overload, low self-esteem, organizational dysfunction, and interdisciplinary conflict (Marshall & Kasman, 1980;Pines & Maslach, 1978;Schuster, Nelson, & Quisling, 1984;Wolfe, 1981). In the workplace, burnout may result in decreased job performance, decreased productivity, loss of concern for patients and withdrawal from work (Schuster et al, 1984;Wolfe, 1981). Building on the current knowledge base and extant athlete burnout theory, continued research is needed which examines the relationship of athlete burnout of basketball players in different terms.…”

Burnout among chiropractic practitioners: real or imagined an exploratory study protocol

“…Factors that have been identified which increase levels of stress and susceptibility to burnout include constantly focusing on the needs of others, which may lead to fatigue, feelings of frustration and anger, a sense of ineffectiveness and failure, and the onset of depression and associated co-morbidities [2,19-22]. Other factors include physical workload, quality of recipient contact, physical environment, type of patient feedback, financial pressures and supervisor support [22].…”

“…On a personal level this has included a depletion of emotional and physical resources, an increased likelihood of feelings of incompetence, a lack of achievement (negative self-image) and neglect of self, coupled with family and broader societal obligations [39]. It has also been implicated in higher levels of mental illness, substance abuse, absenteeism, reduced productivity and compromised patient care [6,10,19,39-43]. …”