Health Care Workers Identify Causes of Burnout, Potential Solutions

Dr Rebecca B. Perkins, affiliated with Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, discusses the findings from her research into health care worker burnout brought on by the pandemic. Additionally, Dr Perkins offers insight into what resources may be implemented to support worker retention.

What inspired your research into the pandemic’s impact on health care workers in Massachusetts?

When COVID-19 disrupted society, many researchers turned to COVID-19–related work. Our team had a background researching human papillomavirus vaccination, and we applied for a grant related to COVID-19 vaccination. When talking to health care workers about COVID-19 vaccination, many described the incredible mental and emotional toll of the pandemic on those working in health care. We presented these findings to our community stakeholder advisory board and, on their advice, pursued additional research related to mental health and burnout.

How was your study designed, and who participated?

We performed interviews in the summer of 2021, just as vaccines were becoming widely available and when we still thought they would stop the pandemic. We also performed surveys in early spring of 2022, just after the Omicron wave. 

Our participants were people working in health care, including physicians, nurses, medical assistants, interpreters, front desk, public safety, social work, mental health, etc. We recruited from across Massachusetts and from hospital and outpatient settings.

What are some key findings from the study? Did any of the results surprise you?

Interview participants described how the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic led to immense stress, as well as mental and physical exhaustion. This was not a surprise. 

When we surveyed people following the Omicron wave, feelings of mental stress, lack of support, burnout, and desires to leave health care were higher than expected. We found 40% of respondents planned to leave health care within 5 years. Many felt unsupported by health care leadership and cited staffing shortages and lack of support, leaving them unable to provide the best care for patients. 

In your opinion, how can these findings inform administrative decision-making within health systems?

We asked the participants what they felt would help them stay in health care. Increased support to care for patients, flexible schedules, and better pay were requested by workers, including support staff, nurses, and doctors. Addressing these concerns may help prevent health care attrition.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Health care workers join the field to improve the lives of others. They are currently feeling moral injury, which occurs when they are unable to provide appropriate care due to lack of resources. Improving the situation for health care workers so they have sufficient resources and support to provide the best care for patients will decrease health care worker attrition.

About Dr Perkins

Rebecca B. Perkins, MD, MSc, is a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center. Her career is dedicated to reducing health disparities in cervical cancer.