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Stress and burnout in oncology
K M Kash1, J C Holland, W Breitbart
1Psychological Services, Beth Israel Cancer Center, USA. kkash@bethisraelny.org
Oncology (Williston Park, N.Y.)
|December 29, 2000
Summary
Oncology professionals, especially house staff, experience significant burnout. Personality traits and religious perception can mitigate stress, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to support these healthcare workers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Healthcare Professional Well-being
- Occupational Stress
Background:
- Healthcare professionals in oncology face unique stressors.
- Burnout is a significant concern impacting patient care and staff retention.
- Understanding factors contributing to burnout is crucial for developing support strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify professional stressors in nurses, house staff, and medical oncologists.
- To examine the influence of stress and personality on burnout scores.
- To explore demographic and personal factors affecting burnout.
Main Methods:
- Survey of 261 oncology professionals (house staff, nurses, medical oncologists).
- Assessment of burnout, psychological distress, physical symptoms, life stressors, personality attributes, coping strategies, and social support.
- Quantitative analysis of questionnaire data.
Main Results:
- House staff reported the highest burnout, emotional exhaustion, and depersonalization.
- Negative work events significantly increased burnout; a 'hardy' personality reduced it.
- Nurses experienced more physical symptoms but less emotional distance; women reported lower accomplishment and higher distress.
- Higher perceived religiosity correlated with lower burnout.
Conclusions:
- Burnout varies among oncology professionals based on role, gender, and personal attributes.
- House staff exhibit the most severe stress symptoms, necessitating tailored interventions.
- Interventions should address specific stressors and leverage protective factors like personality and religiosity.