Burnout among physical therapists

Burnout results in a decrease in job performance because of excessive work-related stress. This study assessed the presence of burnout among physical therapists and determined if potential organizational and personal causes of burnout could predict symptoms of burnout. One hundred and sixty therapists surveyed nationwide met the established criteria for inclusion in the study; 84 (53%) stated that they were currently experiencing feelings of burnout. Subjects were asked to respond to the frequency of their symptoms of burnout and the relevancy of the list of potential causes. A standard multiple regression equation was completed on each of the five dependent variables (symptoms) predicted by the eight potential causes of burnout, four of which were organizational in nature and four of which were personal in nature. Four out of the five symptoms of burnout were significantly predicted by different potential causes. Burnout experienced by physical therapists can have a detrimental effect on patients, therapists, and the facilities in which they are employed.