An RCT of coping and support groups to reduce burnout among nurses

Burnout is a fundamental problem among nurses. Nurses need to be trained to reduce burnout.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of coping and support group interventions to reduce burnout among nurses.

A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted at a University Hospital in Izmir, Turkey. Level of burnout was measured with Maslach Burnout Inventory before and after the intervention as well as in the following 6 months. A total of 108 nurses met the selection criteria and agreed to participate. To determine the effectiveness of the intervention, two-factor repeated-measures analysis of variance and paired t-test with Bonferroni correction were used when appropriate. All analyses were conducted on an intention-to-treat basis.

Right after the intervention, there was an immediate reduction in emotional exhaustion dimension of burnout with respect to time. However, in 6 months, scores were increased again. No significant difference was noted between groups and from the point of group × time interaction. There was not any change in depersonalization and personal accomplishment dimensions of burnout after the intervention.

By means of person-directed interventions, emotional exhaustion level can be decreased. The fact that burnout reduces after the intervention and an increase is observed in 6 months is an important result. Repetitive interventions can render the effect to be long lasting. It is recommended that the number of intervention studies to reduce burnout be increased and that long-term outcomes be observed.