Burnout in Portuguese physiotherapists during COVID-19 pandemic

Autores da FMUP

• Cristina Isabel Oliveira Jácome

  Autor

• Andreia Sofia Costa Teixeira

  Autor

• Ivone Maria Resende Figueiredo Duarte

  Autor

Participantes de fora da FMUP

• Seixas, A
• Serrao, C
• Castro, L

Unidades de investigação

• Laboratório Associado RISE- Rede de Investigação em Saúde

  

  Investigador

  Fernando Carlos De Landér Schmitt

• Medicina da Comunidade, Informação e Decisão em Saúde

• RISE-Health

  

  Investigador

  Fernando Carlos De Landér Schmitt

Abstract

Objective: This study described the burnout experienced by physiotherapists during the COVID-19 pandemic and analysed the role of possible factors of this occupational phenomenon. Methods: Cross-sectional study based on a web-based survey applied to physiotherapists living in Portugal. The survey included sociodemographic, health status and clinical practice questions. The Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (personal, work- and patient-related burnout), the Resilience Scale, the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales and the Satisfaction with Life Scale were used. Results: A total of 511 physiotherapists (median 33 years old, 82% females) completed the survey. The participants worked mainly in private practice (50%) and wards (35%). During COVID-19, 52% were working directly with patients, but only 18% were working with COVID-19 patients. Personal (42%), work- (42%) and patient-related burnout (25%) was observed. Three significant models explained personal- (R-2 = 51%), work- (R-2 = 31%) and patient-related burnout (R-2 = 16%). Lower levels of resilience and higher levels of depression and stress were significantly associated with personal, work- and patient-related burnout. Being female and working directly with patients were additionally associated with both personal and work-related burnout. Having health problems and working with COVID-19 patients were only associated with personal burnout. Conclusions: More than 40% of physiotherapists experienced personal and work-related burnout and 25% patient-related burnout, with resilience, depression and stress having a relevant role in the three burnout dimensions. Early detection and management strategies need to be implemented to address physiotherapists' physical and psychological fatigue and exhaustion.

Keywords

• burnout; healthcare workers; rehabilitation; resilience; stress