Are we well? Burnout among healthcare workers

SUMMARY

Burnout refers to a psychological condition arising from prolonged and ongoing interpersonal stressors, resulting in physical and emotional exhaustion. Its prevalence among healthcare workers has been increasingly recognised as a significant factor affecting their mental health, well-being, performance at work, and professional and personal relationships, as well as the functioning of organisations. In this article we outline the general concept of burnout, its clinical features and measurement. We give an overview of its epidemiology among healthcare workers, and highlight the contribution of individual and organisational risk factors, cultural influences and work–life balance to its emergence and maintenance. We conclude with recommendations for identifying the signs and symptoms of burnout and for providing timely support and evidence-based interventions to reduce harm to both workers and the organisation. Effective management of burnout is key to retaining a healthy and productive workforce, while meeting the challenges of service delivery in healthcare in general and the National Health Service in particular.