Understanding health worker burnout using a mixed-methods approach

Author / Creator

Corrente, Melissa, author

Available as

Online

Summary

The COVID-19 pandemic had an enormous impact on the mental health of health workers with rising levels of burnout. The World Health Organization defines burnout as an occupational phenomenon result...

The COVID-19 pandemic had an enormous impact on the mental health of health workers with rising levels of burnout. The World Health Organization defines burnout as an occupational phenomenon resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed (World Health Organization, 2019). The joint effect of the growing health care needs of the population, combined with the increased attrition of health workers exacerbated by the pandemic, has created a critical and unsustainable situation. Anyone who has experienced burnout or has reached out to support someone experiencing feelings of exhaustion, cynicism relating to their job, and reduced professional efficacy understands that it is a complex and multifaceted problem. There is no single solution to achieve the changes that are needed to curb rising burnout rates. The problem of health worker burnout calls for a multi-level approach that is customized to different work contexts. Our research intentionally focuses on system, organization, and team level changes to relieve the pressure put on individual health workers to "be well" on their own time. This case study highlights the importance of involving stakeholders when designing interventions and how qualitative data can be utilized to complement quantitative data.

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