Factors Predisposing to Burnout Syndrome among Medical Staff Participating in Complex Surgical Processes

Burnout syndrome is a serious manifestation of distress among health-care professionals.

Due to the specific nature of work in operating theaters, factors that affect the staff performance and therefore predispose to burnout syndrome were assessed.

Based on the original questionnaire, 254 respondents working in the operating theaters of the university hospital, appraised levels of work satisfaction, sources of stress, and psychosocial burden. Work-related mental stress was assessed using the Meister's questionnaire. Burnout levels were evaluated in the group extended to 316 employees with Maslach Burnout Inventory.

Work satisfaction analysis indicated unsatisfactory management and remuneration as the negative agents. The majority of the respondents emphasized the maintenance of medical records as a prominent stress factor. A large number of participants (n = 221; 87%) described work as emotionally burdensome. The results showed that the highest burden was related to the following variables: time pressure, responsibility, problems, and conflicts. The examined group was qualified to the second degree of mental load related to the work. Similarly, the entire group reached a high level of emotional exhaustion.

Presented data indicate the need of evaluation to minimize occupational burnout problem.