Prevalence of Burnout Among Respiratory Therapists Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Burnout is a major challenge in health care, but its prevalence has not been evaluated in practicing respiratory therapists (RTs). The purpose of this study was to identify RT burnout prevalence and factors associated with RT burnout. METHODS: An online survey was administered at 26 centers in the United States between January and March 2021. Validated quantitative cross-sectional surveys were used to measure burnout and leadership domains. The survey was sent to department directors and distributed by the department directors to their staffs. Data analysis was descriptive, and logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate risk factors, expressed as odds ratios (OR), for burnout. RESULTS: The survey was distributed to 3,010 RTs; the response rate was 37%. Seventynine percent of the respondents reported burnout, 10% with severe, 32% with moderate, and 37% with mild burnout. Univariate analysis revealed that those with burnout worked more hours per week, worked more hours per week in the ICU, primarily cared for adult patients, primarily delivered care via RT protocols, reported inadequate RT staffing, reported being unable to complete assigned work, had more frequent exposure to COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019), had a lower leadership score, and fewer had a positive view of leadership. Logistic regression revealed that burnout climate (OR 9.38; P < .001), inadequate RT staffing (OR 2.08 to 3.19; P 5 .004 to .05), unable to complete all work (OR 2.14 to 5.57; P 5 .003 to .02), and missed work for any reason were associated with an increased risk of burnout (OR 1.96; P 5 .007). Not providing patient care (OR 0.18; P 5 .02) and a positive leadership score (.55; P 5 .02) were associated with a decreased risk of burnout. CONCLUSIONS: Burnout was common among the RTs in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Good leadership was protective against burnout, whereas inadequate staffing, an inability to complete work, and a burnout climate were associated with burnout.

Burnout and Resilience among Respiratory Therapy (RT) Students during Clinical Training in Saudi Arabia: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study

“…Respiratory therapists (RTs) are among the healthcare professionals exposed to burnout at the workplace. Recently, 79% of respiratory therapists reported burnout in a survey among 1114 respiratory therapists from 26 medical centers in the United States [ 6 ], mainly due to high patient morbidity and mortality as well as heavy workloads in the critical care units [ 6 ]. A recent cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia also reported high levels of the three domains of burnout among RTs: 77% with emotional exhaustion, 98% with depersonalization, and 73% with low personal achievement [ 7 ].…”

Burnout Among Respiratory Therapists in a Tertiary Hospital in Saudi Arabia

“…20 Burnout among healthcare professionals amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia is consistent with those reported by other countries around the world. 8,21 This consistency among different geographical areas shows that despite the differences in the economic resources of each country, religious beliefs, or cultural differences, burnout is a rising global health concern due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Burnout affects the quality of care delivered to patients by increasing the incidence of medical errors.…”

“…Due to this work environment, RTs are exposed to high levels of stress while providing optimal care and communicating with patients. 8 However, burnout and job dissatisfaction can negatively impact the productivity of RTs. A recent study conducted in the United States to investigate burnout among RTs showed that 79% of RTs reported burnout, with more than 40% experiencing moderate and severe burnout.…”

“…The study also reported that increased workloads, staffing shortages, working in intensive care units, and frequent contact with COVID-19 patients are common causes of burnout among RTs. 8 Another study evaluating the resources of burnout in American respiratory care departments reported that approximately 70% of RTs experienced burnout. 9 In Saudi Arabia, studies on burnout among RTs are limited.…”

Building Individual and Organizational Wellness Through Effective Followership

“… 8 While the focus of this paper is on physicians, the frequency of burnout and impact are similarly felt among other health care professionals. 9 , 10 …”