Burnout Among Respiratory Therapists in a Tertiary Hospital in Saudi Arabia

Respiratory therapists (RTs) provide many types of patient care in different clinical settings. Burnout can have an undesirable effect on RTs and their patients. Managing the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically in hospitals, could induce stress in RTs and increase the likelihood of burnout. Therefore, this study aimed to measure the level of burnout among RTs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A validated cross-sectional questionnaire was used to identify the prevalence and characteristics of burnout among RTs. The questionnaire was administered by the respiratory care department of a tertiary health care center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The data analysis included descriptive, inferential, and correlational tests.

The survey was distributed among 100 RTs, with a response rate of 66%. Most respondents reported high burnout levels in the 3 domains of burnout: 77% reported emotional exhaustion; 98% reported depersonalization, and 73% reported low personal achievement. Univariate analysis revealed that emotional exhaustion was significantly higher among RTs who were male, married, or working in critical care settings. Female RTs and those working in general care settings reported feelings of reduced personal achievement. Furthermore, the analysis revealed a moderate positive correlation between the years of experience and emotional exhaustion (r = 0.6, P < .001).

A high prevalence of burnout was observed among RTs in one Saudi tertiary hospital. Burnout is associated with several factors, and interventions should target all domains of burnout. RT management and staff are responsible for addressing their needs and collaboratively working together to overcome burnout. Further investigations focusing on techniques and strategies to alleviate burnout are required.