Burnout among social workers working with patients with cystic fibrosis

This article summarizes a descriptive study focused on the burnout experienced by social workers employed in cystic fibrosis and pulmonary care centers in 45 states. The authors obtained demographic data and burnout scores on the Maslach Burnout Inventory and examined five factors in the job environment--(1) hours providing services to patients with cystic fibrosis, (2) hours providing services to patients with other life-shortening and chronic illnesses, (3) interdisciplinary team support, (4) supervisory support, and (5) years in the current position--in relation to burnout. Their findings for these workers included a significant relationship between team support and supervisory support and low burnout scores. These findings have implications for further study.