System-Level Improvements in Work Environments Lead to Lower Nurse Burnout and Higher Patient Satisfaction

Burnout among nurses is associated with lower patient satisfaction, yet few system-level solutions have been identified to improve outcomes.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between nurse burnout and patient satisfaction and determine whether work environments are associated with these outcomes.

This study was a cross-sectional analysis of 463 hospitals in 4 states. Burnout was defined using the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Patient satisfaction was obtained from the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey.

Fifty percent of hospitals where burnout is high have poor work environments, which is strongly related to lower patient satisfaction.

High levels of nurse burnout are associated with lower patient satisfaction. Our findings demonstrate that hospitals can improve outcomes through investments in work environments.