Perceptions about mindfulness-based interventions among individuals recovering from opioid and alcohol use disorders: Findings from focus groups

ObjectivesMindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have been used as an intervention to support recovery from alcohol use disorder (AUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD). We sought to identify attitudes and experiences toward standardized MBIs among individuals recovering from these substance abuse disorders (SUD) through a qualitative approach.DesignWe conducted three 60-minute focus groups among people with history of SUD (6-months to 3 years in recovery): two groups with those with alcohol use disorder (AUD) history and one with individuals with history of opioid use disorder (OUD). Each group had eight participants.ResultsMost participants of the OUD focus group had tried some variations on mindfulness training or meditation-like therapies during treatment. Participants expressed perceived benefits for MBIs’ non-pharmacological property, while expressing concerns related to perceived barriers of cost, scheduling conflicts with work and child/family care needs, and possible lack of provider empathy. Gift cards and other rewards were recognized as useful participation and retention incentives for completing the described program; the training itself was perceived as an “incentive” if able to deliver significant benefits related to supporting continued recovery from SUD. An overarching theme across all groups was that participants reported their own altruistic behavior and social connectedness as important motivators to help them maintain recovery.ConclusionThe importance of perceived provider empathy and the patient’s social connectedness in SUD interventions was underscored as incentives for participation and retention, providing valuable information for the implementation of MBIs among patients recovering from SUD.     

“We really need this”: Trauma-informed yoga for Veteran women with a history of military sexual trauma

ObjectivesUp to 70% of women service members in the United States report military sexual trauma (MST); many develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and co-occurring disorders. Trauma-informed yoga (TIY) is suggested to improve psychiatric symptoms and shown feasible and acceptable in emerging research, yet no work has evaluated TIY in MST survivors. The current quality improvement project aimed to examine TIY’s feasibility, acceptability, and perceived effects in the context of MST.DesignCollective case series (N = 7).SettingNew England Vet Center.InterventionsExtant TIY program (Mindful Yoga Therapy) adapted for Veteran women with MST in concurrent psychotherapy.Main outcome measuresAttrition and attendance; qualitative exit interview; validated self-report measure of negative affect pre/post each yoga class, and symptom severity assessments and surveys before (T1; Time 1) and after the yoga program (T2; Time 2).ResultsFeasibility was demonstrated and women reported TIY was acceptable. In qualitative interviews, women reported improved symptom severity, diet, exercise, alcohol use, sleep, and pain; reduced medication use; and themes related to stress reduction, mindfulness, and self-compassion. Regarding quantitative change, results suggest acute reductions in negative affect following yoga sessions across participants, as well as improved affect dysregulation, shame, and mindfulness T1 to T2.ConclusionsTIY is both feasible and acceptable to Veteran women MST survivors in one specific Vet Center, with perceived behavioral health benefits. Results suggest TIY may target psychosocial mechanisms implicated in health behavior change (stress reduction, mindfulness, affect regulation, shame). Formal research should be conducted to confirm these QI project results.     

Mindfulness training for healthcare professional students: A waitlist controlled pilot study on psychological and work-relevant outcomes

ObjectivesTo fill gaps in the literature on the effects of mindfulness for healthcare professionals (HCPs), the current pragmatic trial investigated feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of Mindfulness for Interdisciplinary Healthcare Professional (MIHP) students on stress and work-relevant outcomes in the absence of offering school-based incentives.DesignA partially randomized waitlist-controlled design (intention-to-treat sample: 22 in the mindfulness group, 26 in the control group) was employed.InterventionMIHP is an eight-week intervention that incorporates meditation training, yoga, and discussion on the application of mindfulness principles to stressors commonly faced by HCPs and students.Main outcome measuresDomains of feasibility and acceptability; Maslach Burnout Inventory and other validated measures of psychological functioning; cognitive task performance on the Trail Making Test A & B; and the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment plus Classroom Impairment Questionnaire.ResultsResults supported the feasibility and acceptability of MIHP but found randomization to be unacceptable. Small to large effects were found for MIHP, relative to the control group, on outcomes of burnout, perceived stress, mindfulness, and activity impairment. No effect of MIHP was found on cognitive performance or work productivity outcomes.ConclusionsPreferential group allocation improved retention relative to randomization in the absence of school-based incentives. Results suggest that MIHP is feasible and acceptable and may have benefit for improving mindfulness and reducing burnout, stress, and activity impairment. Cognitive performance, work absenteeism, and work impairment did not change following MIHP. Results support future investigations into the effects of participant compensation on MIHP’s dissemination and effectiveness.     

Implementation and evaluation of an online anatomy,radiology and contouring bootcamp for radiation therapists

BackgroundAs new treatments and technologies have been introduced in radiation oncology, the clinical roles of radiation therapists (RTs) have expanded. However, there are few formal learning opportunities for RTs. An online, anatomy, radiology and contouring bootcamp (ARC Bootcamp) originally designed for medical residents was identified as a prospective educational tool for RTs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate an RT edition of the ARC Bootcamp on knowledge, contouring, and confidence, as well as to identify areas for future modification.MethodsFifty licensed RTs were enrolled in an eight-week, multidisciplinary, online RT ARC Bootcamp. Contouring practice was available throughout the course using an online contouring platform. Outcomes were evaluated using a pre-course and post-course multiple-choice quiz (MCQ), contouring evaluation and qualitative self-efficacy and satisfaction survey.ResultsOf the fifty enrolled RTs, 30 completed the course, and 26 completed at least one of the post-tests. Nineteen contouring dice similarity coefficient (DSC) scores were available for paired pre- and post-course analysis. RTs demonstrated a statistically significant increase in mean DSC scoring pooled across all contouring structures (mean ± SD improvement: 0.09 ± 0.18 on a scale from 0 to 1, p=0.020). For individual contouring structures, 3/15 reached significance in contouring improvement. MCQ scores were available for 26 participants and increased after RT ARC Bootcamp participation with a mean ± SD pre-test score of 18.6 ± 4.2 (46.5%); on a 40-point scale vs. post-test score of 24.5 ± 4.3 (61.4%) (p < 0.001). RT confidence in contouring, anatomy knowledge and radiographic identification improved after course completion (p < 0.001). Feedback from RTs recommended more contouring instruction, less in-depth anatomy review and more time to complete the course.ConclusionsThe RT ARC Bootcamp was an effective tool for improving anatomy and radiographic knowledge among RTs. The course demonstrated improvements in contouring and overall confidence. However, only approximately half of the enrolled RTs completed the course, limiting statistical power. Future modifications will aim to increase relevance to RTs and improve completion rates.     

The influence of work characteristics,emotional display rules and affectivity on burnout and job satisfaction: A survey among geriatric care workers

BackgroundPrevious studies have demonstrated that geriatric care employees are exposed to a large number of factors that can affect their levels of job satisfaction and occupational stress. Although working with elderly people is emotionally demanding, little research has been done on the role played by perceptions of emotional display rules, alongside more traditional work characteristics and individual factors, in the prediction of geriatric care employees’ wellbeing.ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to examine the role played by work characteristics (job demands, job control, emotional display rules) and individual (affectivity) factors to predict job satisfaction and burnout among French geriatric care nurses.Method and participantsQuestionnaires were sent to 891 employees working in 32 geriatric care centers in France. A total of 371 valid questionnaires (response rate: 41.60%) were analyzed using structural equation modeling techniques.ResultsResults revealed two main processes of burnout and job satisfaction among women geriatric care workers, namely a salutogenic process and a pathogenic process. As expected, negative affectivity, low job status, perceived negative display rules and job demands are involved in the pathogenic process; while positive affectivity, perceived positive display rules and job control are implied in the salutogenic one. More specifically, as expected, negative affectivity is a positive predictor of burnout, both directly and indirectly through its impact on perceived negative display rules and job demands. Moreover, negative affectivity was negatively related to job satisfaction. Simultaneously, positive affectivity can predict job satisfaction, both directly and indirectly through its impact on perceived positive display rules and job control. Positive affectivity is also a negative predictor of burnout.ConclusionsPractical implications are discussed to support intervention programs that develop healthy workplaces, and also to inform nurses about how to manage emotional display rules in retirement homes.     

Combating Compassion Fatigue With Mindfulness Practice in Military Nurse Practitioners

Like their civilian counterparts, military clinicians are at risk for compassion fatigue. Studies have shown a relationship between mindfulness interventions and reduction of compassion fatigue and its components of burnout and secondary traumatic stress. A pilot feasibility study using a mindfulness-based stress reduction program via a mobile application was completed with a group of nurse practitioners in the military. Seventy-five percent of the participants showed improvement in burnout and stress levels and 100% improvement in mindfulness attention. Mindfulness training maybe one way to mitigate symptoms of compassion fatigue for nurse practitioners in the military.     

Job stress and occupational burnout among clinical nursing teachers: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundClinical nursing teachers face conflicts and challenges while instructing nursing students in the clinical setting. They may be under job stress, which can lead to occupational burnout.PurposeThis study investigated the current state and relationship between job stress and occupational burnout, as well as explore the significant predictors of occupational burnout among clinical nursing teachers.MethodsA cross-sectional study design and convenience sampling was conducted. A total of 205 clinical nursing teachers from 43 nursing schools in Taiwan. Used the Chinese version of the job content questions and occupational burnout inventory to collect data. Multiple linear regression was used to determine the predictors of occupational burnout.ResultsThe degree of perception of life stress by teachers was moderate, and occupational burnout was mild to moderate. Multiple regression analyses showed that perceived life stress and job stress were significant predictors of occupational burnout; perceived life stress was the strongest predictor of occupational burnout, explained 26.4% of the variance; and the workload explained 16.6% of the variance.ConclusionPerceived life stress and job stress influence occupational burnout. This study results may help administrators recognize the vulnerability of clinical nursing teachers to different stressors and develop strategies to improve occupational burnout.     

Feasibility,Acceptability, and Efficacy of Mindfulness Training in People With Upper Motor Neuron Disorders: A Systematic Review

ObjectivesThis systematic review aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on depression, anxiety, fatigue, and health-related quality of life among individuals with upper motor neuron disorders (UMNDs).Data SourcesPubMed, PsycINFO, Excerpta Medica Database, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature were searched for relevant studies published between January 2001 and June 2021.Study SelectionClinical trials published in English evaluating MBIs in adults with the 4 most common UMNDs (multiple sclerosis, brain injury including stroke, spinal cord injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) were included.Data ExtractionTwo reviewers independently performed the risk of bias assessment using standardized tools and extracted desired data electronically.Data SynthesisA total of 44 studies were included: 26 randomized controlled trials, 10 nonrandomized controlled trials, and 8 pre-post intervention studies. The average ± SD duration of MBIs was 8±2 weeks. On average, 85%±14% of participants completed the MBI, and the retention rate at follow-up was 80%±16%. Only 14% of the studies delivered MBIs virtually, and feasibility metrics were similar to in-person studies. Among studies reporting acceptability data, most participants reported satisfaction with the MBI. Randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of MBI on depression, anxiety, fatigue, and quality of life revealed greater relative improvement in these outcomes among MBI participants compared with controls, with differences greater when compared with passive control than active control participants. None of the studies included in this review studied dose response.ConclusionsBased on current data, MBIs are feasible and offer a promising approach to address the biopsychosocial needs of individuals with UMNDs. MBIs are associated with a high acceptance rate among participants, with notable improvements in depression, anxiety, fatigue, and quality of life post intervention. Future studies are needed to evaluate alternate models of delivery of MBIs and the dose-response relationship.     

What participants learn,with, from and about each other during inter-professional education encounters: A qualitative analysis

BackgroundSafe healthcare requires teamwork and collaboration. To meet the needs of healthcare organizations and professionals, inter-professional education, is no longer an optional educational trend but rather a mandate of accrediting health education agencies.ObjectiveIn an effort to better understand the impact of inter- professional educational activities, this study sought to explore via qualitative methods what nursing and medical students learn with, from, and about one another during a week - long simulation-based inter-profession education course.DesignA convenience sample of post-course survey responses from students participating in a week-long, inter-professional, simulation-based patient safety course was used to longitudinally explore what participants learn with, from, and about each other.SettingsThe setting for this study was a research university located in the southeast United States.ParticipantsThe participants included a total of 272 second semester accelerated option Bachelor of Nursing students and 599 medical students entering the 3rd year of their program that participated in an annual patient safety course. The study analyzed responses of students to questions in a post-course survey regarding educational outcomes while learning with students from a different profession.ResultsIn the responses from 871 students collected over four years, the following key themes emerged. Students: 1) articulated learning the importance of contributions of other professions to the healthcare team, 2) expressed an appreciation for areas where their colleagues' training was superior to their own; and 3) identified deficiencies in their own knowledge and skill sets.ConclusionThe findings of this study provide a basis for developing more specific curricular content as part of inter-professional education endeavors to strengthen constructive views of healthcare professions, foster a more collaborative shared mental model, and to correct perceived misconceptions.     

Estimating the association between burnout and electronic health record-related stress among advanced practice registered nurses

BackgroundHealth information technology (HIT), such as electronic health records (EHRs), is a growing part of the clinical landscape. Recent studies among physicians suggest that HIT is associated with a higher prevalence of burnout. Few studies have investigated the workflow and practice-level predictors of burnout among advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).AimCharacterize HIT use and measure associations between EHR-related stress and burnout among APRNs.MethodsAn electronic survey was administered to all APRNs licensed in Rhode Island, United States (N = 1197) in May–June 2017. The dependent variable was burnout, measured with the validated Mini z burnout survey. The main independent variables were three EHR-related stress measures: time spent on the EHR at home, daily frustration with the EHR, and time for documentation. Logistic regression was used to measure the association between EHR-related stress and burnout before and after adjusting for demographics, practice-level characteristics, and the other EHR-related stress measures.ResultsOf the 371 participants, 73 (19.8%) reported at least one symptom of burnout. Among participants with an EHR (N = 333), 165 (50.3%) agreed or strongly agreed that the EHR added to their daily frustration and 97 (32.8%) reported an insufficient amount of time for documentation. After adjustment, insufficient time for documentation (AOR = 3.72 (1.78–7.80)) and the EHR adding to daily frustration (AOR = 2.17 (1.02–4.65)) remained predictors of burnout.ConclusionsResults from the present study revealed several EHR-related environmental factors are associated with burnout among APRNs. Future studies may explore the impact of addressing these EHR-related factors to mitigate burnout among this population.     

Exploring the impact of mindfulness meditation training in pre-licensure and post graduate nurses

The complex, high stress, technologically laden healthcare environment compromises providers' ability to be fully present in the moment; especially during patient interactions. This “pulling away” of attention (mindlessness) from the present moment creates an environment where decision making can take place in the absence of thoughtful, deliberate engagement in the task at hand. Mindfulness, can be cultivated through a variety of mindfulness practices. Few schools of nursing or hospitals offer mindfulness training, despite study findings supporting its effectiveness in improving levels of mindfulness, and perceived connections with patients and families.MethodsA mindfulness program developed for this study and tailored to nursing was used to provide the mindfulness training. Pre and post training assessments were completed and included administration of the Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI) and the Defining Issues Test (DIT) of moral judgment version 2.ResultsA statistically significant improvement in the FMI scores p = 0.003 was found. The pre-licensure group did not show a statistically significant improvement in their FMI scores pre to post training (p = 0.281), however the post graduate group did (p = 0.004). Statistically significant pre - post scores were found in two schemas of the DIT-2 (P [Post conventional] score, p = 0.039 and N2 [Maintaining norms] score, p = 0.032).ConclusionsMindfulness training improves mindfulness and some aspects of ethical decision making in the groups studied as part of this project. The findings of this study are promising and further demonstrate the merits of a mindfulness practice, however aspects of mindfulness training would need to be addressed prior to launching a full scale attempt to incorporate this into a work life or some other quality improvement program.     

Mindfulness and burnout among bedside registered nurses: A cross‐sectional study

Nursing is a high stress job, and burnout of nurses is of particular concern. The aim of this cross‐sectional survey study was to examine the relationship between mindfulness and burnout, and how the mindfulness facets vary in their associations with the different domains of burnout for Chinese nurses. A sample of registered bedside nurses working in a tertiary Chinese hospital (n = 763) was surveyed from February to June 2017 regarding mindfulness (i.e. acting with awareness, describing, and non‐judging of experiences), burnout (i.e. emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment), and sociodemographic and job‐related characteristics. Higher scores on the three facets of mindfulness were associated with less emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, and acting with awareness showed the highest regression coefficients. Personal accomplishment was positively associated with acting with awareness and describing, whereas it was negatively related to non‐judging of experiences. Describing was the strongest facet associated with personal accomplishment. In conclusion, there were clearly correlations between mindfulness as a personal trait and burnout among Chinese bedside nurses. These findings suggest the potential benefits of tailored mindfulness‐based interventions in reducing nurse burnout in China.     

Effectiveness of a mindfulness-based intervention on oncology nurses’ burnout and compassion fatigue symptoms: A non-randomized study

BackgroundJob stress and burnout are highly frequent in healthcare professionals, and prevalence in nurses can be as high as 40%. Mindfulness-based interventions have been shown to be effective in reducing stress and increasing well-being in a wide range of populations and contexts. However, controlled studies with healthcare professionals, and especially nurses, are scarce.Objectives, design and settingThe aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of an on-site, abbreviated mindfulness-based intervention for nurses, using a nonrandomized, wait-list comparison design. The effectiveness of the intervention was measured through several validated self-report measures that participants completed before and after the intervention, assessing burnout, compassion fatigue, psychological symptoms, mindfulness, self-compassion, experiential avoidances, rumination, and satisfaction with life.ParticipantsA sample of 94 oncology nurses agreed to participate in the study and self-selected into an experimental (n = 45) and comparison condition (n = 48). Complete data was obtained for 48 of the initial 94 participants, mainly due to poor follow-up data rather than high drop-out rate.ResultsStatistical analyses included a series of 2 × 2 ANOVAs and ANCOVAs. Results indicated that nurses in the intervention reported significant decreases in compassion fatigue, burnout, stress, experiential avoidance, and increases in satisfaction with life, mindfulness and self-compassion, with medium to large effect sizes. Nurses in the comparison group didn’t present significant changes in these variables. Results also pointed to a high degree of acceptability of the intervention.ConclusionsThis study provides preliminary evidence that mindfulness-based interventions may be efficacious in reducing oncology nurses’ psychological symptoms and improving their overall well-being, and thus may be worthy of further study in this population.     

Stress and burnout in chiropractic students of European chiropractic colleges:: A cross-sectional study

ObjectiveHigh levels of stress and burnout are known to negatively impact academic success, quality of life, and well-being of students. The purpose of this study was to investigate the degrees of stress and burnout levels of students from several European chiropractic colleges.MethodsStress and burnout were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Student Survey (MBI-SS). Surveys were delivered electronically in November 2017 to chiropractic students from 4 different chiropractic colleges. Data were analyzed using t test and 1-way ANOVA to determine differences between demographic data. Scores in perceived stress and burnout subscales were compared to the general, chiropractic, and medical student populations.ResultsBoth the MBI-SS and PSS had similar response rates (30%–34%) and demonstrated statistically significant differences between institutions, with C-3 demonstrating the highest levels of exhaustion (p < .001) and the highest levels of perceived stress (p = .012). MBI-SS results show that in the general chiropractic student population, 26.4% presented high emotional exhaustion, 18.2% high cynicism, and 43.8% low academic efficacy. Meanwhile, the PSS score indicated “moderate” levels of stress.ConclusionsEuropean chiropractic students experience higher levels of perceived stress than the general population and they may suffer levels of burnout similar to those of medical students. These results suggest that colleges should monitor stress and burnout levels in their students. This may help to establish student support systems in order to improve students'' quality of life and academic performance, as well as help new graduates transition to their professional lives.     

A pilot study to evaluate mindfulness as a strategy to improve inpatient nurse and patient experiences

The purpose of the Mindful Nursing Pilot Study was to explore the impact of mindfulness training for nursing staff on levels of mindfulness, compassion satisfaction, burnout, and stress. In addition, the study attempted to determine the impact on patient satisfaction scores. The pilot was designed as a quasi-experimental research study; staff on one nursing unit participated in the 10-week mindfulness training program while another, similar nursing unit served as the control group. The intervention group showed improvement in levels of mindfulness, burnout, and stress as well as patient satisfaction while the control group remained largely the same. This pilot provides encouraging results that suggest that replication and further study of mindfulness in the workplace would be beneficial.     

Educational intervention versus mindfulness-based intervention for ICU nurses with occupational burnout: A parallel,controlled trial

BackgroundNurses in the intensive care unit have a high incidence of occupational burnout, which has a serious adverse impact on their physical and mental health. It is imperative, therefore, to explore interventions, especially those that may enhance individual coping resources. Mindfulness has been proven to be one such effective resource. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of an eight-week mindfulness intervention on occupational burnout in ICU nurses.MethodsOne hundred six nurses in two ICUs who met the inclusion criteria were recruited to the program, which consisted of an educational intervention related to burnout (EB, n = 53) or a mindfulness-based intervention (MBIB, n = 53), and the results compared. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), and the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire II (AAQ-II) were administered at T0 (before the intervention), T1 (one week after the intervention), T2 (one month after the intervention), and T3 (three months after the intervention). A total of 91 nurses completed the study. Data were analysed by intention-to-treat analysis and repeated-measures ANOVA to observe the effects of the mindfulness-based intervention on occupational burnout.ResultsNurses’ mindfulness, experiential avoidance, emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment were all affected by the intervention. The effect could be maintained to the third month post intervention.ConclusionMindfulness-based intervention can effectively improve the level of mindfulness and decrease the level of experiential avoidance among ICU nurses, alleviating occupational burnout.     

Resilience-building module for undergraduate nursing students: A mixed-methods evaluation

In nursing students, resilience is recognised as a critical quality that will enable them to face and solve the challenges encountered in their studies and future careers. This mixed-methods study aimed to develop a resilience-building module for university nursing students and evaluate its effects on resilience, well-being and mindfulness. We recruited a convenience sample of 195 nursing students and delivered a resilience-building module comprising three 90-minute workshops on the following topics: resilience and emotion regulation, stress management and mindfulness, and burnout and depression. The participants' views and perceptions of the module were explored using pre-test and post-test questionnaires and focus group interviews. No significant changes in outcomes were observed from the pre-test to the post-test. However, a multivariable linear regression analysis indicated that mindfulness was significantly associated with resilience. A qualitative data analysis revealed that the resilience-building module evoked the participants’ awareness of resilience and was considered an enjoyable learning experience. In conclusion, although the quantitative results demonstrated no significant changes in outcomes after the module, the qualitative results suggested that the resilience-building module could have beneficial effects if included in the undergraduate nursing curricula. Finally, better mindfulness was identified as important for enhancing resilience among undergraduate nursing students.     

The relationship between secondary traumatic stress and burnout in critical care nurses: The mediating effect of resilience

PurposeTo examine the mediating factor on the association of secondary traumatic stress and burnout among critical care nurses.DesignA correlational study.MethodsData were collected from a convenience sampling of 147 nurses from two general hospitals who had six or more months of experience working in an intensive care unit. The collected data were analyzed through t-test, ANOVA, Scheffé test, Mann-Whitney test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Bonferroni correction, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient using SPSS 25.0. The mediating effect of resilience was analyzed through the three-stage mediation effect test procedure using hierarchical regression analysis and the Sobel test.ResultsSecondary traumatic stress had a statistically significant positive correlation with burnout (r = 0.45, p <.001), and a statistically significant negative correlation between burnout and resilience (r = −0.54, p <.001) was observed. Secondary traumatic stress was found to have a statistically significant effect on resilience, which was the mediating variable (β = −0.17, p =.042). Additionally, secondary traumatic stress had a statistically significant effect on burnout (β = 0.45, p <.001). The significance of the mediating effect of resilience on the relationship between secondary traumatic stress and burnout was investigated using the Sobel test, and the mediating effect of resilience was found to be statistically significant (Z = 1.98, p =.048).ConclusionResilience was found to have a partial mediating effect in the relationship between critical care nurses’ secondary traumatic stress and burnout. The study thus provides basic data on the importance of resilience in preventing burnout from secondary traumatic stress.     

Burnout in the disciplines of medical radiation science: A systematic review

ObjectiveBurnout is seen as an occupational phenomenon related to workplace stress. Professional groups within medical imaging and radiation science have been reported to suffer from burnout in the past, however research into the profession has been limited. This systematic review aims to evaluate literature measuring levels and prevalence of burnout in the professional groups within medical imaging and radiation science (MIRS). These being radiographers (radiological technologists), sonographers, radiation therapists (therapeutic radiographers) and nuclear medicine technologists.MethodsElectronic databases including Medline, Embase, Psycinfo and CINAHL were searched to locate studies published in English from 2000 that used a questionnaire/survey to measure burnout in the MIRS population. Also included were studies that measured burnout in a larger healthcare group that included MIRS professionals, as long as the MIRS professionals were reported as a separate group.ResultsSixteen articles met the inclusion criteria; two of these articles reported the same data and therefore were combined to leave 15 studies to review. Of the radiation therapy group, seven of the nine studies reported low or moderate burnout amongst their participants. One study reported high levels of burnout in the emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation domains, and another reported high emotional exhaustion levels. Within the other MIRS professions, five of the six studies reported moderate burnout. One group of sonographers had high levels of burnout in the emotional exhaustion domain.ConclusionFor the past 20 years, levels of burnout in MIRS professionals has remained relatively steady, with the majority of studies reporting moderate levels of burnout. However, more research is needed in radiographers, sonographers and nuclear medicine technologists.Implications for PracticeEven though the review indicates moderate level of burnout, this needs addressing on an organisational and individual level to ensure stress in the workplace is managed before burnout becomes a significant issue.