Burnout in renal care professionals

Burnout is defined as "a syndrome of emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and reduced personal accomplishment that can occur among individuals who work with people in some capacity", and it can be considered as a result of long-term exposure to occupational stress. Frequently reported occupational stressors among caring professionals are those intrinsic to the job, related to patient demands, related to roles within the organisation, and those related to relationships at work and career development. In renal care however, there are some unique characteristics such as technologically advanced equipment, the intensive caring environment and the long-term relationships being established between the carer and chronic renal patients, that one should take into consideration. It seems that job resources may act as moderators to burnout. Furthermore, specific personality characteristics and socio-demographic variables seem to affect the burnout experience. Individual and social organisational means for burnout prevention and coping are discussed and suggested.