Examining the frequency, severity and associated factors of burnout in Nebraska physical therapists

Recognizing the adverse effects of burnout on clinician well-being and patient care, there has been a surge in national interest in this subject. However, within the physical therapy profession, the extent of burnout has not been as deeply examined.

This study aimed to 1) describe the frequency and severity of burnout of Nebraska physical therapists using the Maslach Burnout Inventory and 2) explore potential associations of burnout with sociodemographic and work environment characteristics.

Using a cross-sectional design, 2057 licensed physical therapists in Nebraska were invited to complete a survey that included the Maslach Burnout Inventory, demographic information, work environment factors, and stressors. Burnout profiles were generated based on Maslach Burnout Inventory subscale scores and scores were compared to previously established cutoffs. Associations between burnout and sociodemographic and work environment factors were analyzed, and key stressors for each burnout profile were identified.

The overall response rate was 23.5%. Approximately half of respondents exhibited engagement, while the remainder experienced at least one dimension of burnout, with 9.9% displaying a full burnout profile. Work environment factors, such as workload, autonomy, flexibility, time off, ethics, supervisor and coworker support, and professional judgment, contributed more significantly (p < .001) to burnout than sociodemographic characteristics (p < .05). The top stressors among participants with burnout were workload/productivity standards, hours worked per week, and student loan debt.

These findings suggest that burnout, driven by emotional exhaustion, is a concern for Nebraska physical therapists. Addressing modifiable work environment factors could help reduce burnout and enhance workforce well-being.