Understanding Burnout in Healthcare

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress and overwork. In healthcare settings, burnout can manifest as:

• Emotional Exhaustion: Feeling drained and unable to cope.

• Depersonalisation: Developing a cynical attitude towards patients.

• Reduced Personal Accomplishment: Feeling ineffective and unfulfilled.

 

A recent meta-analysis found that physician burnout is associated with a twofold increase in the risk of unsafe patient care, unprofessional behaviours, and low patient satisfaction.

 

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The Impact on Patient Care

Burnout doesn't just affect healthcare professionals; it has serious implications for patient care:

• Increased Medical Errors: Exhausted clinicians are more prone to mistakes.

• Lower Patient Satisfaction: Burned-out staff may struggle to provide empathetic care.

• Higher Infection Rates: Nurse burnout has been linked to increased hospital-acquired infections.​

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Linking Burnout and Incivility

Workplace incivility can exacerbate burnout, creating a vicious cycle:

• Impaired Teamwork: Rudeness undermines collaboration and communication.

• Reduced Performance: Exposure to incivility can decrease cognitive function and helpfulness .

• Increased Turnover: A toxic work environment leads to higher staff attrition.

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By fostering a culture of civility, organisations can mitigate burnout and its detrimental effects.