Vom Burnout zur Balance – Programme in deutschen Krankenhäusern

Abstract

From burnout to balance – programmes in German hospitals. Grey literature review with semi-structured interviews Objective: Healthcare professionals are increasingly being affected by stress and burnout. This review evaluates current stress and burnout-prevention projects in respect of content and implementation. The findings serve as a basis for developing a programme for nurses and physicians that is compatible with everyday practice. Methods: A grey literature search was conducted on Google and Google scholar search machines between 11 March and 14 April 2022, limited to the years ≥ 2017. Projects included were focused on workplace health promotion for (1) nurses or/and physicians at German hospitals, (2) conducted in in-person, blended or hybrid form, (3) offered as modules or consecutively, that (4) explicitly aimed to reduce stress or to prevent burnout with resilience or mindfulness-based interventions. Project leads were interviewed between 1 June and 30 July 2022. Results: Of 55 projects identified, five were included. The projects were 1) peer-based stress training; 2) an empathy-based project concept; 3) a carefocused webinar; 4) a tailored nurse workshop project; and 5) a blended weekly e-learning online course on healthy routines and relaxation. Four of the five are being evaluated scientifically. Interview results emphasise a lowthreshold course design, target group and team orientation, the importance of institutional integration and systematic anchoring. Conclusions: Projects aimed at preventing stress and burnout exist at some German hospitals but vary significantly in content and scientific evaluation. This review reflects the importance of need-based approaches that not only strengthen between the individual and teams in a good balance, but also foster incremental organisational changes beyond behavioural aspects for mental health among healthcare professionals. Keywords: burnout – stress – healthcare professionals – prevention – occupational health promotion