Organizational conditions that influence work engagement and burnout: A qualitative study of mental health workers (1 April 2021)

Summary

Clinician burnout in healthcare is a growing area of concern, especially as the COVID-19 pandemic stretches on. Research from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Regenstrief Institute looked at ways organisations can address burnout.

Content

The research team interviewed 40 mental health clinicians and managers from a variety of healthcare systems who were participating in a burnout intervention. The team determined results of those interviews could be broken down into three themes around how organisations might reduce burnout.

1. A work culture that prioritizes person-centered care over productivity and other performance metrics.
2. Management skills and practices to overcome bureaucracy.
3. Opportunities for employee professional development and self care.

"Clinicians told us that they chose this line of work because they wanted to help people. When policies get in the way of providing good care, it undermines morale and engagement," said Dr. Rollins. "This particular study focused on mental health providers, but this is likely applicable to all healthcare professions. This isn't an issue that can be solved at the individual or supervisor levels. The health system is out of balance, and that needs to be addressed. This research can be used to inform the development of health system, organizational and program-level initiatives."