One of India’s most significant sectors, healthcare, is growing tremendously, outpacing all other industries. But as the sector grows, the challenges too, alongside.
The world is reeling under the Covid-19 pandemic, and healthcare professionals are always at the forefront. The responsibility of patients and their lives depends entirely on healthcare professionals’ shoulders, and they often have to deal with immense work pressure leading to burnout.
What Is Burnout In Healthcare?
American psychologist Herbert Freudenberger coined the term “burnout” in the 1970s. According to the WHO, burnout is an “occupational phenomenon” due to “chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.”
Burnout is a significant issue surrounding the healthcare workforce. Not just Covid-19, or during any healthcare crisis, burnout due to workforce shortages, too much work pressure has been more of a routine and no less than a nightmare for the healthcare professionals.
A study published in the Indian Journal Of Psychiatry revealed that an estimated 80% of healthcare professionals face the risk of burnout early in their careers.
Signs And Symptoms Of Burnout
Burnout can affect anyone. Stressful work-life can put professionals under immense pressure, to the point of being exhausted and burned out. Let’s understand how burnout affects healthcare professionals and what all are considered as its symptoms.
- Constant Fatigue
- Unsatisfactory performance
- A cynical and negative outlook
- Emotional Detachment
- Self-doubt
- Work-related stress
However, healthcare professionals can ensure their well-being by taking some basic measures.
- Eating good food
- Prioritising health
- Engaging in physical activity
- Seeking support
- Plenty of sleep
How Healthcare Institutions Can Help Professionals From Burnout
Burnout in healthcare professionals is a prevalent issue. The prevalence of burnout is 17.3% among healthcare workers globally. However, burnout remains the most common issue in India, with 26.9% work-related and 52.8% pandemic-related burnout. However, organizations can take several steps to ensure the well-being of professionals.
Employee Assistance Programs
With the help of employee assistance programs, institutions can support professionals by creating an environment where they feel comfortable seeking help.
Group Activities
Hospitals can introduce well-being workshops to encourage group activities among healthcare professionals, which can help in boosting their confidence. Group activities can be anything from practicing yoga to any form of art that can help professionals rejuvenate their minds.
HR Policies Promoting Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance remains one of the most significant factors due to which either employees leave their job or switch their careers. HR professionals are responsible for employees’ well-being and promoting a healthier work environment. HR policies can help professionals by limiting work-related stressors.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is known to be very effective in coping with stress. As a result, healthcare organizations can offer Cognitive Behavioural Therapy sessions to professionals and help them improve the quality of work-life while reducing general psychological distress.
Sufficient Staffing
Healthcare professionals’ leading cause of worry is the organization’s unrealistic workload parameters, which leads to exhaustion and mental stress. To help professionals get through this, institutions must not burden them with too much work; instead can assist them by having adequate manpower.
These steps by healthcare organizations can help professionals deal with burnout better and more efficiently.
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