Healthcare staff wellbeing, burnout, and patient safety: A systematic review (8 July 2016)

Summary

This study by Hall et al. looked at whether there is an association between healthcare professionals’ wellbeing and burnout, with patient safety. The authors found that poor wellbeing and moderate to high levels of burnout are associated, in the majority of studies reviewed, with poor patient safety outcomes such as medical errors, however the lack of prospective studies reduces the ability to determine causality. Further prospective studies, research in primary care, conducted within the UK, and a clearer definition of healthcare staff wellbeing are needed.