Prevalence of burnout among physiotherapists: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Enrico Venturini1, Alessandro Ugolini2, Lapo Bianchi3
1Servizio di Assistenza Infermieristico Tecnico e Riabilitativo, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via Pupilli 1, 40136 Bologna, Italy.
Background:
Work-related burnout is a significant concern amongst healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists. It can negatively impact on both staff well-being and the quality of care delivered to patients.
Objectives:
To estimate the prevalence of burnout among physiotherapists.
Data Sources:
PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus and PsycINFO, from inception to February 1st, 2022.
Study Selection Or Eligibility Criteria:
Studies reporting burnout prevalence among physiotherapists.
Data Extraction And Data Synthesis:
Prevalence of burnout. Sub-analyses were performed grouping studies based on countries where surveys were conducted, classified as developed or developing countries. The risk of bias was assessed using a modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.
Results:
32 studies were included in the systematic review and 31 in the meta-analysis, enrolling a total of 5984 physiotherapists from 17 countries. Pooled prevalence (95% confidence interval) of burnout was 8% (4-15). Prevalence figures for Maslach Burnout Inventory dimensions were: (i) emotional exhaustion, 27% (21-34) (ii) depersonalization, 23% (15-32) (iii) low personal accomplishment, 25% (15-40). Both overall and single components prevalence was higher, although not significantly, in studies from developing than in developed countries.
Limitations:
Tools used to assess burnout and cut-off scores chosen to identify the burnout prevalence differed across studies.
Conclusion And Implications Of Key Findings:
Prevalence of burnout reported by physiotherapists appears high worldwide, in particular in developing countries, and compares with that reported by nurses and physicians. Substantial heterogeneity in the prevalence of burnout, in its definition and assessment methods across studies, and limited quality of most studies precludes drawing definitive conclusions.
Systematic Review Registration Number:
PROSPERO CRD42022307876 CONTRIBUTION OF THE PAPER.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
01:25Elements Crucial for Effective Psychotherapy
The Therapeutic Alliance
The therapeutic alliance refers to the relationship between the therapist and the client. The alliance strengthens when the therapist and the client engage in a nurturing, supportive, trusting, empathetic, and respectful relationship, improving therapeutic outcomes. Therapists must monitor this relationship...
01:24Chest Physiotherapy
Purpose
CPT is primarily used for patients with excessive bronchial secretions who have difficulty clearing...